Reg Herbert was editor of the daily paper for several years before becoming editor in chief of the whole North Wales Newspaper Group which also produced a wide range of weekly newspapers across north and mid Wales in addition to the daily Leader and the Welsh language newspaper Y Cymro.

He worked for the Wrexham and Evening Leader from 1959 until his retirement on his 65th birthday and was surprised and delighted when he received an MBE in The Queen’s birthday honours list.

Retiring Editor in Chief At North Wales Newspapers Reg Herbert

He said at the time. “If this award is for my years in journalism. I must say I have been very lucky to have worked with such excellent people for so many years and not just the journalists but everyone involved in the production of newspapers.

“I’ve also been very fortunate to have been in love with the job I have done for so many years. I’d do it all over again if I had the chance.”

Reg continued freelancing for another 18 years after his retirement including covering community council meetings to provide local news for the Leader.

He was certainly highly respected by all those who worked for him and alongside him.

Former Leader Editor-in-Chief Barrie Jones who worked with Reg Herbert for many years said: “I was very sad to hear the news. He was a great editor who knew instinctively what readers wanted in their paper every night. With a natural news sense he could spot a good story instantly and knew how to lead a team to get others to think exactly the same way.

“Of course he wanted The Leader to be first with every story but he was also a kind and considerate man who would help anyone with anything. Many young journalists who passed through the ranks of The Leader would I’m sure be very grateful to Reg for showing them what good solid local journalism is all about. He also had a great sense of humour and there were many times in a frantic tense newsroom when one of his perfectly timed quips would have everyone creased up with laughter.

“He was always encouraging and supportive and I have very fond memories of working with Reg for more than 20 years.”

Reg Herbert, 1980

Leader Sports Editor Nick Harrison said: “Reg was a proper journalist; a real newshound and someone who I had immense respect for.

“He handed me a chance as a trainee reporter at the Evening Leader some 33 years ago.

“Hard but fair, Reg instilled a work ethic that enthused and pushed all journalists to ensure The Leader was first with every story going across Wrexham, Flintshire and Chester.

“His wit was razor sharp and best remembered by his way of telling you to make sure all the stories in your notebook were written up before you left for the day as you might get hit by a bus.

“My response was that Reg would have a better and bigger story if I got knocked down by a bus to which he instantly replied like a Scouse comic handling a heckler: “Don’t think so highly of yourself Harrison, you might just make a nib on page five!”

Former Welsh Assembly member for Delyn Sandy Mewies who joined the Wrexham Leader as a trainee journalist when it was a bi weekly in 1967 said: “Reg was already the chief reporter and it was clear from the outset that he was a true newspaperman. He loved news and passed on his enthusiasm for the job to his staff. With Reg and the then Editor, Tony Lloyd at the helm the Wrexham Leader had its fingers on the pulse of the Town and played an important part in the life of the community.

Sandy’s husband, former TV and radio newsman, Paul Mewies also started his career at the Leader.

He said: “ I came to Wrexham in 1971 and gained much of my early training from Reg. He was a top class local newsman who was well respected in the community. He was equally at home writing about sport and his weekly column “From the Terraces” was a must read for Wrexham fans at that time. His passing is a great loss to journalism and to the community of Wrexham”

Former Leader news editor Jo Shone said: “Reg was an inspiration. He was a newsman through and through and encouraged his team to be meticulous and accurate in their reporting. He led by example.

“His duty to his readers was uppermost and he strove always to keep them informed and supported in their campaigns to improve their communities.”

Reg was born in Aigburth, Liverpool, and was a lifelong Everton supporter. He became a loyal Wrexham FC fan too after making Wrexham his home 63 years ago. Reg wrote for the Wrexham FC programme in the 1970s, including during the promotion winning season of 1978. He also helped to arrange testimonials for the players and became lifelong friends with many involved with the club during that successful period of its history. He also wrote the popular Terrace Talk column in the sports pages of the Wrexham Leader for a number of years.

Reg Herbert 1967

Reg began his career in journalism after completing his National Service in 1957 when he joined the Evening Express in Liverpool as a junior.

In 1959 he moved to Wrexham to complete his training with the Wrexham Leader. He was eventually promoted to the post of chief reporter, then assistant editor and finally editor rising to become editor of the Evening Leader and ultimately editor in chief of the Evening Leader Group.

Reg, a long time former member of Erddig Rotary Club, was first and foremost a devoted family man, who leaves his wife Jean, four sons and nine grandchildren.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Jean said: “We would like to thank everyone for their lovely messages and tributes to Reg.”

Fond memories

As the sad news spread tributes to Reg Herbert flooded onto Facebook from far and wide.

• Steve Rogers

One of the great news hounds.. Taught me so much, a real privilege working with him.

Elwyn Roberts

So very sad. Good old fashioned news hound, great editor but more importantly such a nice guy. He was great company and always smiling!

• Emlyn Roberts

Very sad...Great respect for Reg. He took me on twice at NWN...God knows why!.But we got on well and laughed a lot. RIP Reg.

• Judith Gavin

He was proper old school journo. Respect. RIP

• Philip Micheu

Sad news!

• Graham Breeze

A very sad day. One of the good guys.

• Neil Gibson

Very sad news.

• Rachael Ashton Wheatley

Genuinely very sad to hear this. Even now, I can see him in full flow in the newsroom. Taught me a lot, not least how to navigate through a sunroof whilst chasing the police helicopter. Many, many happy memories.