Derrick Anderton

A former freelance journalist who was also an “inspiring” English teacher has died at the age of 81.

Derrick Anderton wrote a regular column for Shropshire weekly the Bridgnorth Journal entitled Pilgrim, and in 1989, alongside colleague and friend Dave Wallace, started up a series called First Person Singular, published in the Shropshire Magazine for more than a decade.

He also held the position of head of English at Telford College of Arts and Technology.

Mr Wallace has paid tribute to Derrick following his death.

“He was a most inspiring teacher of English and English Literature at TCAT for years,” he said.

“He was a prolific freelance journalist and started off as ‘Pilgrim’ in the Bridgnorth Journal, writing a little column of local interest.

“In 1989 Derrick and I started up the First Person Singular series in the Shropshire Magazine, with my caricatures and his interviews, which ran under editor Pam Green for about 10 years.

“He was interested in vintage cars and fronted and introduced a series of videos called The Great Marques.”

Derrick leaves behind two daughters, Jayni and Kerrie.

The Shropshire Star’s story about him can be found here.