A former editor of the Saffron Walden Reporter and Dunmow Broadcast has died.

Les Baker, who also edited the Royston Crow, passed away at the age of 68 on Saturday after a period of illness.

Mr Baker, who was a journalist for more than 40 years – and edited the Crow between 2000 and 2008 – had served on Royston Town Council on and off since the 1990s – most recently between 2014 until his death. He also served as North Herts District Councillor between 1996 and 2002 and was mayor of Royston between 1995 and 1996.

He was also editor of the Reporter and Broadcast. The editorship of those moved over to Barry Hunt when Archant Anglia was reorganised into Archant Herts and Cambs.

The MP for Royston, Sir Oliver Heald, has paid tribute to his old friend. Sir Oliver said: “I was so sad to hear of the loss of Les Baker. Les was an old friend and I will miss him greatly.

“Les was a distinguished journalist and an excellent editor.

“He was a fine example and a good man. All his friends will be thinking of Les’s wife Christine at this difficult time.”