Tributes have been paid to a much loved former political journalist for the Hendon Times.

Bill Montgomery died in early August and his former colleagues have remembered a talented friend.

Former Times series editor, Barry Brennan, recalls how he “inherited” reporter Bill Montgomery in 1986, and he became one of his “best mates”.

Mr Brennan said: “As part of his duties, Bill wrote a weekly column - Bill’s Notebook - on local matters, especially council affairs.

“It was so good I asked Bill to drop all other work and dig hard into council affairs for the news they didn’t want the public to know. And he’d have an entire page each week for Bill’s Notebook to upset the applecart.

“So this, including attending most council and committee meetings, became his new job. And it came to pass that council bosses, chief executives and many lower-rankers opened each week’s Hendon Times with dread.”

Mr Montgomery received national recognition when in 1994, he was declared Newspaper Columnist of the Year.

The judges’ citation declared: “Montgomery proves that local government can make compelling reading. His column is authoritative, yet lively, filled with scoops, and must put the fear of God - or the Press - into his local councillors.”

Mr Brennan added: “A weekly free newspaper had beaten the lot! And Bill’s Notebook absolutely incredibly, beat the entire UK media to win top award in The Campaign for Freedom Against Secrecy.

“Traditionally this was won by national newspapers, but amazingly and wonderfully, this time it was Bill Montgomery of the Hendon & Finchley Times free newspaper group.

“And through his talent, gentle demeanour, and willingness to pass his knowledge to all Times trainee journalists, was a great mate of all the editorial staff.”

Times Series graphic artist Adam Vanger said Bill was a pleasure to work with.

Mr Vanger said: “He was always very witty and cheerful and made me and my colleagues laugh very often, with some of the most obscure comments.

“When we moved into our own office, he asked if we were happy in our new Shangri La. Who else would use those words?

“Bill was a nice man and I am very sad to hear of his passing.”