A memorial service will be held this week for a retired regional daily reporter who died in South America while on a cruise.

Bob Horn, left, who spent most of his career with the Sunderland Echo before retiring 10 years ago, is believed to have drowned after falling overboard from a cruise ship shortly after a visit to Montevideo in Uruguay.

The 69-year-old enjoyed a long and distinguished career with the Echo after joining the paper following a six-month stint in Germany and working for a bank in Sunderland.

The memorial service will be held at St Peter’s Church, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland at 3pm on Saturday 22 February.

Those attending the church are invited to the Navy Club, in Roker, afterwards.

Bob was travelling with his brother David, his closest relative, when he died.  His nephew, Robert, said he and his family are still waiting for answers about his death.