A long-serving regional journalist has been honoured for his community work away from the industry.

John Shone has been presented with the Community Champion Award by Ellesmere Rotary for his work with numerous organisations, including Save the Children and the Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative, the Whitchurch Herald has reported.

He also helped to secure and coordinate a visit from Princess Anne to the Shropshire town.

John, pictured left receiving his award, spent 65 years in journalism, starting his career as a newsroom messenger boy on Fleet Street at the age of 15.

He joined the Flintshire Leader as a reporter in 1968 and went on to work in various print and broadcasting roles in London and North Wales.

John continues to provide news material to local newspapers and broadcasters, mainly on behalf of voluntary organisations in Ellesmere.

Jim Davies, president of Ellesmere Rotary, said: “We are grateful for the tremendous support that John has given to Ellesmere, and wanted to acknowledge this with the presentation of the Community Champion Award for 2025.”