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Newsdesk chief known for ‘distinctive laugh’ dies aged 92

Ken DruryAn assistant news editor who spent 34 years with a regional daily has died aged 92.

Tributes have been paid to Ken Drury, pictured, formerly of the Manchester Evening News.

Ken was at the MEN between 1955 and his retirement in 1989, initially as a crime reporter and later on the newsdesk.

During his time there he worked with Harold Evans, who went on to become the legendary editor of the Northern Echo and Sunday Times.

Ken’s daughter Faith Connor told the MEN: “During his time here he was asked to attend the police training college to talk to the students about how to work with the press constructively.

“We have found a letter asking him to return and do it again as he was so good the first time.

“He thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Manchester Evening News, but retired in 1989.”

London-born Ken began his career on the Kensington Post in 1949, where he covered the murders of serial killer John Christie.

He moved to the Shields Gazette in 1954 before going to Manchester the following year.

Ken was married to Moira and had three daughters Claire, Belinda and Faith.

He remarried in 1986 to Jean.

Faith added: “Dad was a very sociable man who always had a story to tell. He had a very distinctive laugh that made everyone else laugh.

“In total he had twelve grandchildren, as he embraced his second wife Jean’s family with a great amount of love, as well as his own family.

“He remained good friends with his first wife. He loved going on holidays and always looked forward to Christmas.

“He was a very kind and caring gentleman that will be greatly missed by all his family and all that knew him.”