Former long-standing Romford Recorder editor Royston John Mills passed away, aged 80, on Monday after a long period of illness.

He was at the paper’s helm for 31 years before retiring at the age of 62.

Married to June for 55 years, Roy leaves behind three sons, Richard, Mark and Jonathan, and a granddaughter, Ellie.

His funeral takes place on Friday (June 13) at 10.40am at Southend Crematorium.

Family flowers only, but donations can be made to Southend Hospital NHS Trust, payable c/o S Stibbards & Sons, 7 Spa Road, Hockley, Essex.

See Friday’s paper for a full obituary.

In the current edition of the Recorder we wrongly stated his funeral was on Friday, June 6. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Please send any tributes to news.desk@romfordrecorder.co.uk