A cartoonist who served a weekly newspaper for four decades has died aged 83.

Tributes have been paid to Ben Kelly, whose ‘Brigender’ cartoon had featured in the Whitby Gazette since 1978.

Away from the Gazette, Ben was an artist and held exhibitions at Whitby’s Pannett Art Gallery.

His work was also exhibited at other venues across the Yorkshire town and surrounding district.

Former Gazette editor Jon Stokoe, who now runs Newsquest weeklies the Craven Herald, Ilkley Gazette, Keighley News, Ryedale Gazette & Herald and Wharfedale Observer, paid tribute to Ben on Twitter.

Wrote Jon: “So sad to hear artist Ben Kelly – the man behind Bridgender in the Whitby Gazette for more than 40 years – has died.

“It was one of the highlights of my job his cartoon being delivered to my office pigeon hole each week. Such a lovely chap – rest in peace Ben.”

Ben was buried at Whitby Cemetery on Friday.