Former Northampton Chronicle & Echo journalist Cyril Harte has died after an illness. He was 87.

Cyril, (left), first joined the Chronicle & Echo at the age of 15 on a printing apprenticeship but left to join the Army as a stretcher bearer in World War II.

He rejoined the Chronicle in 1962 and worked mainly as a sub-editor until his retirement in 1982.

Peter Clarke, Chronicle & Echo assistant editor and a former colleague of Cyril, said: "Cyril was a gentleman of the Press in every sense of the word.

"His quiet unassuming manner hid a steely resolve and a dedication to getting the facts correct.

"Cyril will be much missed in many walks of life."

Cyril was also a dedicated charity worker and was the founding chairman of the Northampton branch of the Crossroads care scheme and the chairman of the Friends of Norborough House residential home.

Cyril leaves a widow, Betty, children Jane, Sara, Patrick and John and two grandchildren.

His funeral is due to be held on Wednesday.

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