A former proof reader who turned his skills to sports journalism has died 65.

Barry Abraham, left, originally from Letchworth in Hertfordshire, came into journalism in 1988 and ran the sports desk at the North Herts Gazette for four years.

He joined the Buckingham Advertiser as sports editor in 1992 before ill-health forced him to take a step back in 2007.

Barry, who lived in Maids Moreton near Buckingham, retired in May this year after a spell working as a part-time sub-editor.

Buckingham mayor Hedley Cadd knew Barry for 20 years as chairman of the Aylesbury Vale North Sports Council Awards, on which the pair collaborated.

Coun Cadd told the Advertiser: “I had a deep respect for Barry, who will be sadly missed.

“He helped me with the nominations for the awards and always came along to the ceremony to offer his support.”

Advertiser motorsport correspondent James Beckett added: “He granted me huge freedom, enthusiastically allowing me to develop my weekly columns.

“He was a star and I will always be thankful to him for continually granting me the opportunity to live my dream.”

Away from the newsroom Barry was a lifelong supporter of Luton Town FC.

He is survived by his wife Sue, sons Jim and Paul, three stepchildren, Angela, Elizabeth and Chris, two granddaughters and a step granddaughter.