One of the north east’s longest-serving reporters has died aged 61.

Brian Redhead covered his home town of Bedale for both The Northern Echo and the Darlington and Stockton Times.

He started his journalism career as a junior reporter in Darlington with North of England Newspapers in 1964.

Two years later he joined the town’s then evening newspaper, the Evening Despatch.

For many years he worked as a sub-editor and features editor, returning to news reporting in 1981 on the Darlington and Stockton Times, covering Bedale as well as spells working in the company’s Northallerton office.

He later switched to part-time reporting as he approached retirement.

Malcolm Warne, editor of the Darlington & Stockton Times, said: “What Brian didn’t know about Bedale wasn’t worth knowing.

“Throughout the time I have known him, Brian set the standard for authoritative local reporting. He will be much missed.”

Brian was renowned for his coverage of transport, particularly the Wensleydale Railway, and local government.