Frank Greatwich, former editor of the world’s oldest paper, has died at the age of 93.

Mr Greatwich, a leading figure in Worcestershire’s newspaper industry, passed away in a Malvern nursing home.

His spell in charge of Berrow’s Worcester Journal covered 28 years from 1937 until 1965 making him the longest serving editor at the paper – which was founded in 1690.

He was also a former editor of the Worcester Evening News.

In addition to this, Mr Greatwich held the role of editorial chief of the Berrow’s organisation, a predecessor to Newsquest Midlands.

His interests outside work included golf and the music of Elgar. He was a founder member of the Elgar Society and served spells as secretary and vice-chairman.

Current chairman Michael Trott said: “He was a man of quiet charm and modest manner, yet he had decided abilities and wide-ranging sympathies.”

Mr Greatwich began his career as a reporter on the Kidderminster Times in 1931. In just four years, he rose to the position of editor-in-chief of the weekly newspapers published at Worcester and soon after this, all the papers in the group.

He was made a director of Berrow’s Newspapers Ltd in 1958 and during this time spent eight years editing the International Hotel Review.

He was also a past president of the Guild of British Newspaper Editors and for many years a keen Rotarian.

Mr Greatwich leaves a widow, Jean, three daughters, Whinray Coates – currently deputy Mayor of Malvern – Liz Greatwich and Maggie Broome, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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