A journalist and historian who also ran his local council’s communications operation has died aged 97.

Tributes have been paid to Don Hills, left, who was a “major figure in the development” of the new town of Stevenage in the 1960s and 70s.

Don worked for the Pictorial and Gazette as a reporter through the war years, based in Hitchin and Stevenage, as well as national Fleet Street Sunday newspapers.

He went on to become press and public relations officer for Stevenage Development Corporation in the early 1960s, and then communications officer for Stevenage Borough Council.

Former Stevenage Comet editor Darren Isted told his old newspaper: “It was with great sadness that I heard about the passing of Don Hills.

“Don was a major figure in the development of Stevenage and played a pivotal role in communications for the borough council. He was also a very kind and supportive person to those who knew him and will be sorely missed.”

In his retirement, Don moved to Hitchin and was an active fundraiser for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.

He continued writing columns on various topics for local magazines, and became a founder member of the Nuthampsted Airfield Museum for the 8th Air Force 398th Bomb Group and 55th Fighter Group.

He also co-wrote the book Stevenage: A History from Roman Times to the Present Day with fellow historian Margaret Ashby, which was commissioned by the Borough Council to commemorate the town’s 60th anniversary.

Don, who died at home on 13 January, is survived by his wife Kathe, who he was married to for 72 years, and sons Antony and Andrew.