A regional journalist who became press secretary to Her Majesty The Queen has died aged 90.

Tributes have been paid to Ron Allison, who maintained a more than 70-year association with the Hampshire Chronicle and continued to write for the Winchester-based weekly until just a few months ago.

Ron, pictured, began his career on the Chronicle in the 1950s and went on to spend 16 years with the BBC, where he notably commentated for radio on the 1966 World Cup final.

He served as the Queen’s press secretary from 1973 to 1977 and, in retirement, continued to serve as a columnist for the Chronicle until bidding farewell in October 2021.

Ron was also involved in the Hyde900 history project, celebrating the 900th anniversary of the founding of Winchester’s Hyde Abbey

Edward Fennell, founder of Hyde900, told the Chronicle: “The involvement of Ron, with his reputation both as a journalist and royal spokesperson, was absolutely crucial to the launch of Hyde900 back in 2005.

“He spoke powerfully in support of the project at the initial meeting in St. Bartholomew’s Church and then went on to be a highly effective chair of the organisation over the next five years.

“This was invaluable in giving respectability and credibility to its aspirations to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the founding of Hyde Abbey and his participation was vital in securing financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other organisations.

“Starting up from scratch is always difficult for any organisation but with Ron’s involvement we were able to get off to a flying start.”

A father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Ron died peacefully at St Cross Grange Care Home, in Winchester, on 26 July.