Mr Hunt, of Yaxley, who died on Friday aged 77, was a highly respected and influential figure in the local newspaper industry throughout the country.

Mr Hunt, who also played a prominent part in local community and sporting life in and around Diss, died a year after a series of strokes cut short the retirement he had begun less than three months earlier.

• See the foot of this story for tributes to Ron and pay your own.

The career-long journalist began as an office boy and was eventually honoured for his services to the newspaper industry.

Mr Hunt's standing in the newspaper industry can be measured by the many tributes which have been paid to him this week. The majority of tributes have come from across this industry but he was also a major part of the local cycling world.

Mick Madgett said: "Ron was an invaluable member of the cycling community, helping out at every available opportunity. He will be sorely missed."

Champion cyclist Shaun Aldous said: "Many successful sportspeople keep paper cuttings from their events, Ron's reports were much more than just the result and a picture."

And Tim Butler agreed, saying: "Ron helped bring the sport of cyclo-cross to the public with his descriptive reports. You could almost ride the event just reading his piece."

Ian Poole, the chairman of the British Cyclo-Cross Commission, said: "Ron was passionate about everything he did and brought a brought a breath of fresh air to the sport. His valuable contributions, whether helping to secure sponsorship or standing in the rain and wind as a marshal, will be deeply missed."

Mr Hunt was also a Rotarian and another of the many tributes paid this week came from Lawrence Thompson, president of the Diss club, who said that he epitomised the Rotary watchword – Service Above Self.

"His enthusiasm for helping and guiding others was inspirational to us all and I certainly benefited from his wise words," said Mr Thompson.

"We have lost a warm and compassionate member whose impish sense of humour was an entertaining element of our meetings.

"Ron was truly a gentleman and will be truly missed."

Another interest was Scouting, and Bram Davies, of Roydon, recalled that while he was district commissioner Mr Hunt was an "invaluable" chairman of the South Norfolk district.

Read other tributes to Ron below and on Pages 2-5: