A former Warrington Guardian sports reporter has died, aged 85.

Ken Wilson, who went on to become the longest serving editor of the Knutsford Guardian between 1969 and 1994, died in hospital after a short illness.

Ken started his career on the Warrington Guardian sports desk after leaving school, and an early career highlight saw him cover the Isle of Man TT races aged just 17.

After two years’ National Service in the RAF, he returned to Warrington and two years later became chief reporter at the Newton-le-Willows and Golborne News.

Twelve years later he was appointed editor in Knutsford – a position he held until his retirement in 1994.

Ken was ‘always proud’ of the number of young journalists he trained who went on to hold prominent positions in the media.

Sue Briggs, who succeeded him as editor, said: “He was an incredible man, a true gentleman and the best boss you could wish for.”

After Ken retired, he and his wife Jane went to live in North Wales before moving to Devon in 2009.

Ken leaves his wife, son Mark, daughter Julie and twin grandsons.