An editor who spent 43 years with the same publisher across six different decades has died aged 93.

Tributes have been paid to Bill Lockley, who edited the North Shropshire, South Shropshire and Mid Wales Journals during his career with the Midland News Association.

Bill, pictured, worked for the MNA between 1948 and 1991, chiefly covering towns across the West Midlands in various roles.

He began his career on the Wellington Journal and Shrewsbury News as a junior reporter and then had a brief spell on the Wolverhampton Express & Star.

Bill then became a sub-editor on the weekly papers at the Ketley offices of the Shropshire Star, later being promoted to chief sub.

He became editor of the Journals in 1973, but the following year lost his wife Sheila aged 40.

Bill’s son David told the Express & Star: “It was a challenge for him. He was a widower looking after two young kids, had an elderly dad he also cared for and was editing three newspapers.

“Despite this, he was a superb chap. He was very demanding and a bit of a fiery character in his youth and demanded very high standards.”

Bill is also survived by daughter Diane, and his funeral will be held at Wombridge Parish Church at 11am tomorrow.