Former Liverpool Echo journalist John Bate has died after a short illness.

He had enjoyed a successful career in newspapers spanning 30 years, after first serving in Merchant Navy ships all over the world.

John joined the Ormskirk Advertiser in the 1960s, and became well-known for his work as the paper's agricultural correspondent.

He later moved to the Liverpool Echo to work as a sub-editor, first at its Victoria Street office and then at Old Hall Street, before retiring in 1994.

John leaves a wife, Sue, whom he met when they both worked at the Advertiser, and children Rob and Louise.

His funeral was held at Southport Crematorium.

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