Former Leicester Mercury journalist Simeon Garner has died. He was 89.

Simeon joined the newspaper as an editorial office boy after leaving school and worked his way up the ladder to become deputy editor.

After becoming a reporter in 1930 he got his first scoop when he was covering the Quorn Hunt and discovered the then Prince of Wales was staying in a nearby hotel.

During the Second World War he served in the Army in India before returning to the Mercury where he later became industrial correspondent and then news editor.

In 1974 he became deputy editor, and retired in 1979.

His funeral is due to be held tomorrow at Gilroes Crematorium.

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