A FORMER long-serving member of the Journal Series reporting team, Victor Davis, of Newbold-on-Stour, has died, aged 76.

Mr Davis joined the then Evesham Standard in 1945 and subsequently joined the Journal and worked in the Stratford office for about 20 years before joining the staff of the Stratford Herald.

He continued writing on a part-time basis until shortly before being admitted to the Ellen Badger Hospital at Shipston where he died last Saturday after a short illness.

Journalistic colleagues have paid tribute to Mr Davis's total integrity in reporting local affairs.

David Day, of Moreton, said: "Vic and I knew each other slightly when we were both boys growing up in Evesham but it was not until he joined me as a reporter at the Cotswold office in 1950 that I got to know him well and we had a great time together covering the district on our motorcycles.

"The rest of his reporting career was spent over the border in Warwickshire at Shipston and Stratford where his industry and expertise were highly regarded by readers and colleagues alike.

"He leaves a legacy in newsprint to be proud of."

Gerry Barnett, of the Journal, said: "Accuracy and an ability to write quickly and concisely were his hallmarks. His knowledge of the district and its people was unsurpassed. His shorthand speed was incredible."

Mr Davis was a choirboy at All Saints Church and did National Service in the Navy at Plymouth before returning to newspaper work.

In August 1955 he married Freda, who died in June this year, and they spent all their married life in Newbold-on-Stour.

He is survived by his daughter, Joanna, son-in-law, John, and four grandchildren.

With his wife, Mr Davis was a keen tennis player at the Moreton club and for many years played table tennis for Bengeworth in Evesham. He was a keen shot and loved his days out in the countryside. His other main interest was cars and among the cars he owned and restored were MGB, MG TF, two Morgans, Austin Healey and Lancias, some of which he raced at the Prescott Hill Climb during the 1970s and 1980s. He took up watercolour painting during retirement.

The funeral service will be at St David's Church, Newbold, tomorrow at 10.30am. Family flowers only but donations may be made for the Ellen Badger Hospital.