Former Wiltshire Times and Westminster Press journalist Roy Summerhayes has died, aged 85.

Roy was a former editor of the Ealing and Acton Gazette and joined the Wiltshire Times as a sub-editor in the late 1970s when both papers were owned by Westminster Press.

After his retirement in the late 1980s, Roy worked as a media studies tutor at Chippenham College.

Keith Gale, deputy editor of the Wiltshire Times said: "Roy was a great character of the old school.

"He retained his enthusiasm for journalism even after his retirement and he was always willing to pass on his knowledge. His sense of humour was second to none."

Jack Brennen, who later became editor of the Wiltshire Times, paid tribute to Roy, who he described as "a distinguished and respected editor and a loyal colleague with a great sense of humour".

Jack also spoke of Mr Summerhayes' courage and bravery during the Second World War and how he survived as a Japanese PoW in Singapore.

He said: "He was a truculent and feisty character who you couldn't fail to admire and I believe those wartime experiences took a toll on his health in later years."

Roy is survived by his son Ian and daughters Jane and Mary.