FORMER Didcot reporter and photographer Willie Pereira has died, aged 73.

Mr Pereira, right, of Barnes Close, Didcot, passed away suddenly on January 29, at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Born in Kenya, he came to England in 1957 to study journalism in London.

He and his wife Christine moved to East Hagbourne in 1966 where they raised three children.

Mr Pereira worked for the Oxford Mail’s sister papers The Herald Series for many years and later opened his own photographic business, Isis Studios, in Didcot, in 1979. He was involved in the town’s camera club, Round Table, Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, remaining actively involved in the community right up until his death.

Former Oxford Mail Didcot reporter Mike Hambleton, 71, said: “He was a exceptionally charming chap – everybody would say so. He was part of the town for many, many years.” His son Richard said: “He adored all of us. It was all about family for my dad.”

In December he was delighted to see his children’s book The Inside-Out Rainbow published. Richard added: “It was his driving force over the last few years.”

The funeral is tomorrow, at Oxford Crematorium, at 10.30am, followed by a get together at The Royal Oak in Park Road, Didcot.