A regional press art critic who was awarded the MBE has died aged 92.

Tributes have been paid to Leslie Goodwin, who wrote for the Leicester Mercury for more than 20 years.

An artist himself, Leslie’s work was regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy and in public collections throughout the country.

Leslie, pictured, wrote reviews from Leicester’s galleries for the Mercury and also frequently contributed to art discussion and programming on the BBC.

Ken Howard, professor of drawing at the Royal Academy, told the newspaper this week (25): “One of the marks of a true artist is that he has a recognisable language which opens people’s eyes to a way of seeing the world.

“With his rich use of paint, his wonderful colour sense and undeniable drawing skills Leslie has created a language which reveals and celebrates the life around us.”

Leslie also taught art in adult education in Leicester and later at the University of Leicester before he retired in 1994.

In 2000, he was awarded an MBE in the Millennium New Year’s Honours List.

Leslie died on 21 April and sis funeral will be held at Countesthorpe Crematorium, near Leicester, at 12pm on 9 June.