The Prince of Wales has dubbed regional publishing chief Sir Ray Tindle a “legend” as he marked his 90th birthday.

Prince Charles praised the founder of Tindle Newspapers in a personal letter congratulating him on reaching the milestone.

The letter was read out by News Media Association chairman Ashley Highfield and then presented to Sir Ray at a lunch held in his honour earlier this month.

In it, the Prince said that Sir Ray’s integrity and business acumen marked him out as “one of the great media men of his generation.”

Wrote the Prince: “Over the years, I have been invited to visit a number of his papers to celebrate various events in their history and these occasions have always been a joy.

“Sir Ray clearly takes great pride in the achievements of his teams and the difference that his papers make to their readership – and it is only too apparent that the feeling is entirely mutual.”

“More recently, he has given utterly invaluable support to my Countryside Fund which has, at its heart, my own determination to ensure our precious countryside – and the all-important rural communities associated with it — have a secure future.

“I could not have found a better advocate or a more generous ally than Sir Ray. He has such a deep understanding of the importance of strong local communities to our national life and the role that agriculture plays in so many of the areas served by his newspapers.”

“Sir Ray’s wisdom, kindness, integrity and business acumen mark him out as one of the great media men of his generation.

“Nothing could give me greater pleasure than to join with all of you today in wishing him the happiest of birthdays and to offer him my heartfelt congratulations on 90 extraordinary years.”