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‘Highly respected’ journalist who covered town for 45 years dies aged 71

John CushionA “highly respected” journalist who covered a town for 45 years has died aged 71.

Tributes have been paid to John Cushion, pictured, who worked in Fakenham for Archant and its forerunner companies as a news and sport reporter.

John, who had battled cancer for the past year, died last Tuesday.

Former colleague Viv Thomas told the Eastern Daily Press John was a “brilliant journalist” with an extensive knowledge of local sports.

She said: “He was dedicated to providing the best coverage possible and loved going to watch local football and cricket even when he wasn’t required to report on it.

“He was a wonderful, dependable colleague and friend. I will miss him a great deal.”

Fakenham Town Football Club, who John covered and supported, paid tribute to him a minute-long applause at is annual presentation night on Friday.

Club chairman Simon Barnes posted on Twitter: “Really sad to hear the news that John Cushion has passed away, John was a terrific person who loved his club, Fakenham Town.

“He was instrumental in raising the profile of the club in the 90s, he was a genuine guy who we all loved and respected, thoughts go to his family and friends.”

Mayor of Fakenham George Acheson added: “He was really well known, highly respected and a great friend of Fakenham.”