Former Isle of Wight County Press sub-editor, John Reynolds, has died at The Moorings Care Home, Cowes, aged 89.

He joined the CP in 1983 and was in journalism all his working life.

On leaving school in Falmouth, Cornwall he considered joining the town's art college as he was talented at drawing — although his style was more cartoon than classical.

Instead, he joined the local paper The Falmouth Packet.

Later, he worked on newspapers in Wiltshire and the West Midlands.

At that time, American newspapers were keen to employ British-trained journalists, and John was offered a job in Chicago.

Returning to Falmouth to say goodbye to his family, he was invited to rejoin the Packet and decided to stay.

Later, when John was the chief reporter, the paper advertised for a trainee reporter.

This was 1959, and meant that John met his future wife Pam, who was the only girl to apply for the post.

As chief reporter, John was her immediate boss.

In 1961, and now working on a paper in Sussex, the couple returned to Falmouth to get married.

John's great interest was in naval ships, and, to a lesser extent, RAF aircraft.

He often drew ships and planes, and amassed a huge collection of photos and books on his favourite subjects.

He wrote to navies around the world and received interesting literature from them.

While in Sussex, he was the subject of a TV programme featuring his hobby.

John retired from the County Press in 1992.

He is survived by Pam, daughter Claire, granddaughters Charlotte and Dominique, and his sister Teresa in Falmouth.

John's funeral was private.

Donations in his memory can be made to Alzheimer's UK through Geoff Leather funeral directors, Newport.

County Press editor, Alan Marriott, said: "John was an interesting man with a wealth of knowledge. 

"He was a funny man who was always a pleasure to work with."