Michael Chamberlain, assistant editor of Mid Somerset Newspapers, has died of throat cancer aged 62.
He had also worked for the Western Gazette and the Western Daily Press. Last year, he was made a freeman of the city of Wells. He was only the 16th person to be granted this honour and the first journalist. Chamberlain said that being a freeman allowed him to herd sheep down Wells High Street.
Mid Somerset Newspapers editor Philip Welch said: “As a journalist, Michael was known for his commitment, enormous local knowledge, and a desire to report the truth in a responsible way.”
Martin Heal, editor of the Western Gazette, said: “Michael was the most prolific reporter the Western Gazette ever had. He was fearless in his reporting and always loyal to the paper without breaching his Christian principles.”
Michael leaves a wife, Marguerite, and two children, Andrew and Suzanne.
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