Respected former Herts & Essex Observer reporter Frank Walsh has died aged 93.

He was an award-winning journalist during a career spanning almost 40 years.

Frank worked as chief reporter for the Observer for 15 years until his retirement in 1990.

His career as a journalist started with a correspondence course arranged by the Transport and General Workers Union, after returning to civilian life after World War Two.

He passed the course with distinction and became a full-time correspondent for the Braintree and Witham Times in 1953.

In 1962 he moved to South Wales to become chief reporter on the Carmarthen Times.

Frank's career spanned almost 40 years

Three years later he returned to set up home with his wife, Mary, in Hatfield Heath and joined the Observer for the first time.

Farming was a real passion for Frank, so he joined the staff of the Farming World until its closure in 1970 and went on to work for the Dairy Farmer where he was awarded the Glaxo Trade and Technical Award for British Science Writers.

In retirement Frank kept busy volunteering as tree warden for the Hatfield Heath Parish Council and subsequently footpath officer, a role he passed on to his son Steve.

He also spent three years as a primary school governor, was a founding member of the Gardening Club, an active member of the History Society - where he wrote books on the Pumps and Wells of the village and a history of The Stag Public House.

In 1999 Frank received a Community Achievement Award from Uttlesford District Council. 

Frank and Mary would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in March.

Frank’s funeral takes place at 4.45pm on Friday, March 1 at Parndon Wood crematorium, Harlow. Family flowers only.