The MP for Royston, Sir Oliver Heald, has paid tribute to his old friend, former Royston Crow editor Les Baker.

Royston Crow: Sir Oliver Heald.Sir Oliver Heald. (Image: Archant)

Les passed away at the age of 68 on Saturday after a period of illness.

Sir Oliver said: “I was so sad to hear of the loss of Les Baker. Les was an old friend and Royston neighbour and I will miss him greatly.

“Les was a distinguished journalist and an excellent editor of the Royston Crow.

“He also did a huge amount for Royston as a councillor, chairman of the local Labour Party and many charities. He was a fine example and a good man. All his friends will be thinking of Les’s wife Christine at this difficult time.”

Les, 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.