A former telegraphist with the Southern Daily Echo has died just a month after turning 100.

Eddie Wickes, left, joined the Southampton-based daily straight from school and worked there for 50 years.

His eldest son Jim, who also worked at the Echo for 46 years, described Eddie as a kindly father who enjoyed spending time with his family.

He told the Newsquest daily: “He was just a really quiet man who got on and did things. He was always a kindly father. He was 100 years old and had a good life.”

Eddie, whose job involved handling copy from agencies which came in via a wire, died in South Africa where he had moved some years ago to be closer to his daughters.

He grew up in Southampton and was married for 70 years to his 90-year-old wife May who also worked at the Echo.

Eddie is survived by May, his sons Jim and Peter, twin daughters Jane and Margaret and eight grandchildren.