Born in Little Lever near Bolton, Lancs on 15 May 1937, from his early days cricket and the world of journalism were among his lifelong interests. Leaving Bolton School at 16, he joined the staff of the Farnworth Journal as a cub reporter, resulting in a life in journalism which included the Sunday Telegraph, Guardian, News of the World and sub-editor of the Daily Mail. His involvement with the Methodist Recorder lasted for 33 years, first as its Editor and then as a Director of the Methodist Newspaper Company. During that time he introduced such new features as the District Supplements and helpfully covered the Church's debate on sexuality in the 1980s and 90s.

For many years he also contributed reviews of the press to the Church Times. On his retirement in 1997 he was awarded a Lambeth M Litt (the first non-Anglican layman ever to do so) for his contribution to religious journalism.

As an active member of the Methodist Church at Hove he was senior church steward and also regularly welcomed Sunday morning visitors as they arrived, and visited members when in hospital or nursing home. For 20 years he served on the Conference Committee of Wesley's Chapel. Deteriorating eyesight led to blindness during his closing months. He died in Hove in 2019.

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