February 6, 2001 9:48: TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of former Bucks Free Press editor and columnist Arthur Church who died in the early hours of Sunday, aged 89, from lung cancer.

Bill Tilley, who took over as editor of the Bucks Free Press from Mr Church in 1976, said: "Arthur was one of the old school. A very dedicated journalist and a great believer in High Wycombe. He helped in any way he could to further community interest in the town."

Mr Church, who was born and bred in High Wycombe, began his lifelong association with the BFP as a delivery boy. He joined the paper as a cub reporter in 1928 when it was run by Merritt & Hatcher.

Following a short spell as a cub reporter at the Leicester Evening Mercury Group he returned to the BFP in 1933 to be chief reporter, sub-editor and eventually editor in 1956, a post he held for 20 years.

Readers will be familiar with his weekly column, Church View, which was on Page 6 of the BFP. He recounted amusing life experiences and many pearls of wisdom he had gathered over the years. He finally put down his pen at the age of 88. He still lived in the town.

His interests ranged far and wide. He was a lifelong supporter of Wycombe Wanderers, he joined The Rotary Club of High Wycombe in 1957, and was its president in 1972-1973. He was also involved in the Royal British Legion and Wycombe Show

Ivor Beeks, chairman of Wycombe Wanderers, said: "He was involved with Wycombe Wanderers for more years than I can remember. We will certainly miss him, a great guy."

Geoff Rysdale, chairman of The Rotary Club of High Wycombe, said: "He was a fully committed and excellent member of the club and will certainly be missed."

Mr Church leaves a son Ken, two grandchildren Christine and David and great-grandchildren Rebecca, five, and William, nine months. His wife Meg died in April 1998.