by Bel Austin

Tributes have been paid to a former Times Guardian editor who died on June 6, aged 92, following a bout of pneumonia.

Older readers will remember Thomas Wilfrid "Tom" Layton, as a reporter on the old Sheerness Guardian, who returned to journalism after active service with the Royal Engineers.

He served throughout the war and was involved in the D-Day landings.

The two local papers Times and Guardian had merged before his return, and he was in post for some while before succeeding editor Joe Morris, who retired due to ill health.

He worked with brother-in-law Colin Steele, senior reporter, and helped with the training of young reporters.

This was the time of hot metal when the works were behind the book binding department of Coles’ stationer’s shop in the High Street.

Tom’s sense of humour and caustic wit were second to none and as a true professional he was always willing to share his considerable experience.

A Sheppey man, he married West Minster girl Hilda Hughes in 1942, and the couple spent 52 happy years together. They had three children, Rosemarie, Janet and Tony.

Essentially a family man, he was to enjoy the company of seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The family moved to Sleaford and Boston before settling in Staffordshire when Tom joined the Burton Mail in 1960, first as a reporter then sub-editor.

A cricket enthusiast, he enjoyed watching sport, listening to music, walking his dogs, and family holidays.

Throughout his long life he had remained active, still enjoying music, reading and cryptic crosswords.

It was only in the last couple of years he was unwell and was resident at The Limes care home Driffield, East Yorkshire.

The funeral service was held at Hill Street Baptist Church, Swadlincote, on Monday, June 15, prior to interment at Church Gresley Cemetery.