A FORMER press secretary to the Queen and Hampshire Chronicle journalist Ron Allison has died, aged 90.

Mr Allison died peacefully at St Cross Grange Care Home in Winchester on Tuesday July 26.

He served as the Queen's press secretary from 1973-1977 after a distinguished journalism career that began on the Chronicle and led to 16 years at the BBC, including commentating for radio on the 1966 World Cup final.

Mr Allison had started his career on the Chronicle in the 1950s after national service, and this century returned to the newspaper as one of its columnists.

A father, grandfather and great grandfather Mr Allison, of Arlington Place, Hyde, was also an author and a lifelong Saints supporter.

READ MORE HERE: Interview with Ron Allison

Tributes have been paid on news of his death. Edward Fennell, founder of Hyde900 history project, said: "The involvement of Ron, with his reputation both as a journalist and Royal spokesperson, was absolutely crucial to the launch of Hyde900 back in 2005. He spoke powerfully in support of the project at the initial meeting in St. Bartholomew's Church and then went on to be a highly effective chair of the organisation over the next five years.

Mr Fennell, of Egbert Road, Hyde, added: "This was invaluable in giving respectability and credibility to its aspirations to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the founding of Hyde Abbey and his participation was vital in securing financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other organisations. Starting-up from scratch is always difficult for any organisation but with Ron's involvement we were able to get off to a flying start."

 

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