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Leading figure in West Country media dies at 97

A leading figure of the press and media industry in south Devon has died aged 97.

George Lidstone spent many years working on the area’s titles including the Western Morning News and Torquay Times of which he became editor.

In 1939 he took over the role of managing editor and chairman of Devonshire Press, publisher of the Torquay Times, Torquay Directory and South Devon Journal.

George’s newspaper career was combined with other roles in the media and in the 1950s he was one of the original team granted the new ITV franchise for the South West.

This eventually led to the formation of Westward Television and George was appointed as a director for the whole of its 20-year life, becoming vice-chairman in 1978.

George was also a long-serving member of Torquay Rotary Club and completed 70 years of membership just a few days before his death.

In retirement he lived near Torquay Harbour before moving to a residential home in the town and died last Wednesday.

George was married twice but had no children. His funeral takes place at midday on Tuesday at St John’s Church, in Montpellier Road, Torquay.

  • You can leave your memories of George on Lasting Tribute.