Former Newbury Weekly News editor Laurence Cummins has died aged 60.

Laurence, who fought a long battle with cancer, served as the paper’s editor for 18 years after taking up the post in 1978.

During his service the NWN grew in size and influence in line with the economic importance of its circulation area and Laurence was well-known for his robust defence of the paper’s editorial independence.

Laurence oversaw the expansion from a single title to a publications group which included The Advertiser, Newbury Business Review (now Newbury Business News), Out & About and Newbury Property News.

He was also heavily involved in the company’s progress into new electronic technology in the late 1980s, which resulted in the NWN being one of the leaders in the provincial industry in establishing an electronic newsroom.

The flagship Newbury Weekly News developed a broader news coverage during his editorship, outside contributors were encouraged and readers’ letters elevated to a new prominence.

He revitalised the diary feature, then known as ‘Local Chit Chat’ and which dated back to 1889, as informed commentary on local affairs from the sidelines.

It was sharp and incisive in nature, but tempered with snippets on less weighty matters, and frequently written with great humour.

After leaving the newspaper company, Laurence was appointed director of the Oxfordshire Association for the Blind, a post he held until ill-health forced early retirement.

He is survived by his widow Frankie, daughter Samantha and son Toby.