Former local newspaper editor Tony Blandford has died after a long illness, aged 67.

He was diagnosed as suffering Parkinson’s disease 14 years ago and took early retirement a year after learning of his illness, at the age of 54.

In 1995 Tony was found to have Lewy Body Dementia, which includes elements of Alzheimer’s disease.

He had spent 12 years in charge of the Wiltshire Star series.

Tony was a journalist for 37 years, editing the Basildon Standard before moving to the Swindon Star.

Away from work he was a keen gardener and painter, and spent years serving on the parish council of his home village near Swindon.

He leaves behind his second wife Elizabeth and children Debbie, Andrew, Jake and Harry.

Former colleague Jill Browne was given her break in journalism on the Star by Tony in 1988.

She said: “He gave me a job and I didn’t have a background in journalism I was a primary school teacher so he showed a lot of faith in me to take me on.

“We had a good team and nothing ever fazed him. He was a great person to work with.” Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or e-mail [email protected]