Peter Tisdall, a former deputy editor of the Wiltshire Times, has died at his home in Trowbridge, aged 73. He had been ill for some time.

Peter joined the paper in his late teens, and after completing a stint in national service, returned to his post as a reporter for the Melksham area.

After his marriage to Bath Chronicle journalist Sheila Vanstone, he left to join the Derby Evening Telegraph.

A year later he was persuaded by Wiltshire Times editor Michael Lansdown to return to Trowbridge.

Peter became chief reporter, sub editor, chief sub editor and deputy editor in turn.

He and his wife took early retirement in 1991.

In his earlier years, Peter was a keen Scout and Venture Scout.

He spent his childhood in Melksham and attended Chippenham Grammar School.

He was a keen walker and enjoyed boating on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

He and his wife also helped out at the Crofton Beam Engines steam weekends.

Peter leaves his wife, daughter Janine, grandsons Martin and Robin Welch, who are all of Trowbridge, and son Christopher, who lives in Barcelona.

Funeral details are yet to be announced.