A Shropshire journalist has died in hospital at the age of 76.

Brian Binnersley, of Shrewsbury, enjoyed an excellent reputation, both locally and nationally, as a sports writer.

He had also covered Shrewsbury employment tribunal hearings as a freelance on behalf of the Shropshire Star and was a lifelong member of the National Union of Journalists.

Mr Binnersley, who was born in Shrewsbury, joined the Shrewsbury Chronicle in the early 1950s where he quickly rose to become a senior reporter. 

His interest in sport, which he maintained throughout his journalistic life, soon became apparent, and from an early stage he was responsible for covering Shrewsbury Town matches.Until recent illness he is believed to have missed only one Shrewsbury Town home game since the club joined the league in the 1950-51 season.

Mr Binnersley continued with the Shrewsbury Chronicle, covering both sport and general news, until 1959 when he joined Russell Mulford in setting up the Shrewsbury Press Service. They continued in partnership for more than 20 years until Mr Binnersley decided to form his own agency, concentrating on sport.

He leaves a widow June, to whom he was married for 52 years, two sons Peter and Nigel, a daughter Kate, and grandchildren. Mr Mulford said today: “Brian was a very accomplished writer.”