An ‘old-school’ journalist who once built a huge papier-mâché “mate” for the Loch Ness monster for charity has lost his battle with cancer aged 61.

Former associate editor of the Hemel Gazette Tom Price retired from the title in 2004 but retained his links with the Hertfordshire title after moving to Lincolnshire where he worked as a part-time sub with the Louth Leader.

The son of a journalist, Tom’s first foray into the industry was with the Three Counties News Agency and then two now defunct newspapers – the Hemel and the Hemel Mail – where he covered stories such as the Great Train Robbery.

While working on the Hemel Mail, Tom joined forces with the local fire service in 1975 for an outrageous stunt to raise money for the brigade’s benevolent fund.

Tom and Hemel Hempstead firemen built a huge female papier-mâché ‘mate’ for the Loch Ness monster, complete with eyelashes, pink lips and a recording of a love-starved bull walrus.

The team transported it up the Highlands and took to Loch Ness with two firemen inside operating the controls in the hope the Loch Ness Monster would put in an appearance. It didn’t but the team raised valuable cash for the benevolent fund.

Tom wrote a popular column called Price’s Patch which highlighted and fought for the burning community issues of the day.

One particular battle saw a vandalised canalside building being converted into bedsits for teenagers too young to be placed on the local authority waiting list. The project was named Price’s Patch in his honour.

His love of local history led him to develop the Gazette’s heritage coverage, publishing a calendar and scrapbook, both of which raised money for local good causes.

Tom was also closely involved in the creation of the Gazette’s New Year Honours list, commending community heroes, while he could often be seen dressed as ‘Gazzer’ – the paper’s mascot as summer fetes and other events.

Tom is survived by his wife Marion, children Richard and Nicola. His funeral takes place at 1pm on Friday at Alford Crematorium, East Lincolnshire, with a possible memorial service in Hemel Hempstead in the new year.

Donations can be made to St Barnabas Hospice nurses or Cancer Research UK care of funeral directors: DW Bloomer, Grove Road, Sutton-on-Sea, LN12 2NH or by calling 01507 441271.