A journalist who served a weekly newspaper for 56 years has died days after his final column was published by the title aged 83.

Tributes have been paid to John Budden, who had covered horse racing for the Cumberland News since 1966.

John, pictured, also wrote for Sporting Life and covered the North of England’s horse racing scene for both Border Television and William Hill Racing Radio.

Such was his popularity that in 2019 a race at Kelso racecourse was named after him, sponsored by his family and friends.

Broadcaster and Carlisle raceday presenter Gordon Brown, who knew John for 40 years, told the News: “I’ve got lots of fond memories of John – he was a real local legend in Cumbria as a commentator, broadcaster and journalist.

“He started his column in The Cumberland News in the sixties, which he wrote up until his death and his final column was in last week’s edition.

“Before each meeting we would do a little tipping segment before racing in the winners’ enclosure at Carlisle and he was a good judge! Most of the horses he tipped were from local yards, which is a strong hint as to where his passions lied.

“He was a proper gentleman and a real old school chap in that I never heard him swear! I never came across someone who had a bad thing to say about him and he had the respect of so many people.”

John’s wife Jackie died last year but he is survived by sons James and Simon.

James told the Racing Post: “He was very much a glass half full person. He had a lot of time for people and he liked to see the good in everyone.

“He was good company and a terrific raconteur. There have been some lovely things written about him and some very kind messages.

“He started to commentate on the Cumberland Farmers point-to-point and he got a part-time job with The Cumberland News in 1966 – ‘Over The Sticks with Basil Budden’ – and he was their longest-serving employee. He was bashing out his articles right to the end.”

Vanessa Sims, regional group editor for News publisher Newsquest Cumbria, said: “For decades John Budden’s name was a byword for knowledge and respect throughout racing, and it was a privilege to carry his words in our titles for so many years.

“Our thoughts and sympathies go to his family and friends at this very sad time.”