TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a former Worcester News picture editor who died after a battle with cancer aged 54.

Jonathan Barry joined the Worcester News in 2003 and became deeply respected and liked by the community.

Many have paid their respects on Twitter. BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Andrew Easton said: “Really saddened to hear this. Used to bump into JB regularly to discuss recent Warriors results. Many a time we’d be at the same job and he’d take an extra pic or two for me to use for my own work. Rest in Peace old mate.”

A Worcester Mosque spokesman said: “He was a great person, a sad loss to all. Met him on few occasions, always cheerful and professional. May he rest in peace, our condolences to the family during this very difficult time.”

Former Worcester mayor Roger Knight said: “Such sad news, Jonathan was a great guy, really helpful and understanding to Freda and I during our mayoral year. Always had a smile and time to chat. Jonathan was a friend, we shall miss him and the Worcester News and indeed Worcester City, have lost a great servant and ambassador. Rest in peace Jonathan....such a loss.

Paul Harding from Discover History said: “This was really sad news. I still remember the first photo he took of Discover History back around 2003. A brilliant man and who will be greatly missed.”

Councillor Richard Udall said: “Shocked at this terrible news, Jon was one of the best, he took many great pictures of me and I always enjoyed the banter we had. So sad, a great guy with great natural talent. Sadly missed.” Royal Grammar School, Worcester tweeted: “A true gentleman and an exceptional photographer. We feel very privileged to have known Jonathan. He will be missed by all at RGS Worcester. Condolences to his family x.”

Head of county highways Jonathan Fraser said: “I got to know Jonathan very well after many encounters on various highway projects and got into the habit of making him aware of potential photo opportunities during key milestones on schemes as I knew he would capture an excellent image.” As well as an extremely talented and professional photographer who always got the right picture, I enjoyed many social chats with him, largely about sport. I live very close to his family home.”

“I had not seen him due to the lockdown and was beginning to wonder if anything was the matter as I’d not seen him on any of our recent works . I am shocked and saddened to now understand why.” My thoughts are with his family.” Jonathan died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Saturday. He leaves wife Anita and daughters Charlotte and Jennifer.