Former Cannock Advertiser and Walsall Observer editor Barry Gough, who died last year, has had a book dedicated to him by the niece he inspired to become a writer.

New author Dr Suzanne Harris said that Barry – who was also a journalist for the Birmingham Post and Mail – was her inspiration for writing the book Writers’ Wonderful Web.

The book, which is awaiting publication, tells authors how to use the Internet to make researching their work easier.

Dedicating the book to her uncle Barry, Suzanne wrote: “He lived for the written word and was my inspiration to be a writer.

“I was Barry’s shadow when I was a youngster.

“He used to drag me around and I often went to the Post and Mail building in Birmingham with him.

“His death was a terrible shock and we still don’t know why it happened, he was always so laid back.”

Barry Gough was found dead on New Year’s Eve after being missing for more than two months. He had committed suicide.

He was a freelance writer and public relations executive up until his death, aged 54.

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