Tributes have been paid to a former Scarborough News chief reporter who has died at the age of 90.

Kenneth Dix, who enjoyed two spells with the then daily title over a 40-year career, died peacefully in his sleep at a care home in the town.

A former RAF man who was shot down in the Duisburg raid and made a German prisoner of war during WW2, he first joined Scarborough and District Newspapers in the late 1940s, becoming chief reporter.

He left in 1953 to run his own news and sports agency for eight years and went on to work for the Yorkshire Post before rejoining the News in 1975.

Ed Asquith, editor of the Scarborough News, said: “I have known Ken since the late 1980s and he was always a very affable and gregarious character, whose reputation as a journalist was well-known.

“We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his family.”

Another former chief reporter at the News, Chris Nixon, described him as a “real gentleman”.

He added: “He was a great journalist who was known by many people in Scarborough. When I started out as a young reporter he was extremely helpful and I respected him greatly.”

Kenneth, pictured above, was born in Manchester and came to Yorkshire when he served with the 431 Squadron, based at Burn, near Selby, in the Second World War.

He flew on operations as a navigator against German targets and U-boat pens at Brest and St Nazaire, as well as taking part in mining operations before being shot down.

He leaves his wife, Betty, two children, Debra and Craig, and grandson, Sam.  His funeral will be held in Scarborough on Friday.

Scarborough councillor and freelance journalist David Jeffels added: “He was a well-respected journalist who worked in the town for many years and many people will remember him as a great professional.”