A writer who served a weekly newspaper for half a century has retired at the age of 97.

Bill Spence has reviewed books for the Ryedale Gazette & Herald for more than 50 years.

However, he has decided to now end his regular column after a recent fall.

Editor Nigel Burton has paid tribute to Bill, pictured, who is also an author in his own right.

Nigel said: “It has been a privilege to have such a well-regarded author write book reviews for the Gazette & Herald for over half a century.

“I am sure our readers will miss his weekly column and join everyone at the Gazette in wishing Bill our very best wishes.”

Bill’s daughter Geraldine told the Gazette & Herald: “Dad liked the friendliness of the Gazette and living locally lots of people knew him.

“I think he has done it for so long because he enjoyed it and dad is also a very loyal person.”