A journalist who launched his own title and was “always respected his breadth of knowledge and commitment” has died aged 87.

Tributes have been paid to Ray Vale, who was best known for his work in agricultural journalism in Kent.

During his career, he worked for the Kent Messenger and later founded South East Farmer magazine.

Ray, pictured, also broadcasted about farming issues on BBC Radio Kent.

Born in Llwchwr near Swansea, Ray moved with his parents to Kent when his father became the minister at a Pentecostal Church in Maidstone.

He began his career with press agency Agroup, where he was responsible for promoting large corporations such as Ciba-Geigy, Esso, BT and Tate & Lyle.

He joined the Messenger as a reporter in the mid-1970s, working in particular on its farming and sports pages, before co-founding South East Farmer with the Messenger’s editor Jim Thompson.

In the mid-1980s, Ray went freelance and wrote for publications including The Grower magazine, Fresh Produce Journal, The Fruit Grower magazine and The Vegetable Farmer, in addition to his broadcasting work.

In 1998, the Guild of Agricultural Journalists presented him with the Netherthorpe Award for his outstanding and sustained contribution to agricultural communications.

Away from journalism, he was a lifelong player and fan of rugby union, serving as both vice-president and president of Maidstone Rugby Club.

Ray was married to the late Iris Potts from 1961 until their divorce in 1982. The couple had two children, Merrilyn and Philip.

Philip told Kent Online: “He was a proud Welshman and always very passionate about his interests – agriculture and rugby.

“He occasionally rubbed people up the wrong way because he had strong views that he liked to express, but people always respected his breadth of knowledge and commitment.

“He also loved his family – we had some great family holidays together – and in later years he particularly enjoyed being with his four grandchildren.”

Ray began to to develop dementia around 10 years ago but continued to live independently until the start of this year, when he moved into a care home in Maidstone.

His funeral is at 1.15pm tomorrow at Vinters Park Crematorium, Maidstone.