A journalist who was believed to have held the longest-running column in British journalism has died aged 84.

Tributes have been paid to Harry Mead, who was a columnist for 53 years in total before the Northern Echo brought it to an end in 2019.

Harry, pictured, began his career in 1956 and was first given the column in the Teesside Gazette at the age of 28.

It subsequently ran in the Echo from 22 March 1969, coming to a close just nine days short of its 50th anniversary due to what he called the “economic climate”.

Former Echo editor Peter Barron told York daily The Press: “Harry was a lovely, evocative writer, with a deep knowledge of the natural world.

“He wrote about the countryside with great affection and authority and, as a result, he was a columnist who attracted a large and loyal following.

“He also loved poetry and could summon up a verse for every occasion. A kind, gentle, down to earth, no-nonsense man, who wrote about the north in a glorious way. Rest in peace, Harry.”

Harry lived near Stokesley, in Yorkshire, and his love of the county’s countryside was a major theme of his writing.

His daughter Helen has followed in his footsteps and writes a column for The Press.

Newsquest Yorkshire group editor Nigel Burton, who worked with Harry when head of news at the Echo, said: “Harry was a legend at the Northern Echo and his writing was warmly received by readers across North Yorkshire for five decades.

“In many ways, he was a man ahead of his time. He loved the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and was an active campaigner for the preservation of the environment.

“I’m pleased his daughter, Helen, continues the family tradition writing for The Press.

“He will be much missed, and our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.”