A retired journalist is set to publish a book inspired by his 42 years in the industry.

Former Cambrian News and Western Mail reporter Ron Lewis has written ‘Seaside Reporter, Breaking into journalism in the 1960s’.

Ron, pictured, began his career in 1966 at the age of 18 as a trainee reporter on the News.

He later moved to the Cardiff-based Mail before joining HTV as a scriptwriter, reporter and programme editor. He also contributed to the Daily Mirror, ITN and the BBC.

Looking back on his experience, he told the News: “The breathtaking mid Wales landscape of the Cambrian coast – what a place to live, and what a place to learn to be a reporter.  I had the privilege of being taught to provide news with a notebook, pencil and a wonderful invention called printed paper.

“There were no smartphones, laptops or fax machines. Long distance phone calls still had to be put through by the operator. But was this the quiet news patch you might imagine? Far from it.

“Five formative years developed into a rollercoaster of landmark events. Most memorable of all were the personalities and characters of an unforgettable era.

“Those who come to mind include the mild-mannered husband who paid hit men to murder and bury his wife, the jealous guy accused of stabbing to death a teenage girl and her father, a royal reporter who held champagne receptions on the beach, the drug taking friend of the rich, famous and downright dangerous, the quiet man who pushed coffins on a handcart and the professor who tried and failed to ban the letter K.”