Industry reporter Keith Harper, of The Guardian, who has died from cancer aged 65, began his career in the regional press.

His first job was as an editorial assistant at National Builder magazine before joining the Bucks Free Press as a reporter in 1959.

He moved from there to the Express and Echo, in Exeter and the Evening World in Bristol as a reporter/feature writer, before moving on to the role he was best known for, at The Guardian, staring off as west of England and Wales correspondent based in Bristol.

He moved to the London office as a reporter in 1965 and from 1968 covered industry stories, becoming leading labour correspondent in 1972.

He was courted by prime ministers and was not always popular with the unions but recognized the value of a story that set out to tell the truth.

In 1995 he became transport editor and last year celebrated 40-years’ service at The Guardian.

His most recent honour included a commendation at the London Press Club awards for his scoop of the Jo Moore e-mail on September 11.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]