A local newspaper veteran who worked his way up to managing director has died aged 81.

Gilbert Jarvis started his career with the Midland News Association, publisher of the Shropshire Star and Express and Star, during the Second World War.

He went on to serve the company for 45 years before his retirement in 1988.

Gilbert initially worked for the company secretary and circulation departments before becoming general manager of Shropshire Weekly Newspapers and then managing director as well as a director on the board with the MNA.

He was responsible for introducing the successful ‘Hit It’ competition to the E&S – originally called Mark the Ball – and for many years served as secretary and treasurer of the E&S Social Club.

His son Phil told the E&S: “He was doing his Christmas shopping and was walking back to his car when he collapsed with a heart problem.

“They rushed him to hospital and we went to see him that night and he was talking and laughing and joking.

“He was as fit as a fiddle and had never really been ill before. It’s a bit of a shock to everybody.”

Gilbert was a widower, following the death of his wife Margaret in 2000, and is survived by his son Phil, daughter-in-law Suzanne and grandchildren Joe and Ollie.