Former regional press journalist Bill Baldock, who began his career at the Free Press in South Wales, has died aged 68.

He was born in London but moved to Pontypool at the age of three, embarking on a teaching career after university before switching to journalism.

He secured his first role at the Free Press as a reporter, and stayed for ten years before moving to the Newport office of the Western Mail, being promoted to chief reporter at the Cardiff office.

He left to become chief reporter of the Abergavenny Chronicle in 1982, rising through the ranks to become deputy editor.

His wife Joan, and sons Andrew and Julian, survive him. Julian followed his father into journalism and is a former staffer at the South Wales Argus.

Bill was a non-playing member of the Blaenavon Town Band, serving as chairman or secretary for many of the 30 years he was involved with them - and the band played at his funeral in tribute.