A former weekly chief photographer has died aged 82 after suffering from severe heart problems.

Paul Green, pictured in his younger days, ran the picture desk at the Wiltshire Times in the 1960s and 70s.

Originally apprenticed to the Bucks Free Press, he began his career as a press photographer covering the area around High Wycombe.

In 1959 he moved to Wiltshire to take up a post at the Avon Rubber factory in Bradford-on-Avon, but soon resumed his photographic career by joining the Times.

After serving as chief photorapher, Paul later returned to Avon Rubber – now known as Avon Protection – until his retirement.

Former Times news editor Pete Brown, who worked with Paul from 1964 onwards, told the newpaper: “That’s sad to hear. He was a good photographer.”

Paul was born in Hayes in Middlesex on 1st February 1941 under an air raid shelter, during the London Blitz by German Second World War bombers.

He attended Cranford Junior and Infant School in Hounslow and then moved to Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire where he attended Denham Junior School near Uxbridge.

After his retirement Paul and his wife Susie moved to France for six years before returning to the UK live in Dorset.

He began suffering with severe heart problems early last year, undergoing surgery at Southampton General Hospital but his health continued to decline.

Paul died last month at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. His funeral will be held at Bearfield Congregational Church in Bradford on Avon at 11am on Friday.

He leaves children Simon, Timothy, Jessica and Victoria and stepchildren Emma, James, Julie and Dawn.