Tributes have been pouring in following the death of legendary Birmingham Post crime writer Harry Hawkes, a man who covered many of the Midlands' biggest stories.
The 86-year-old, from Kenilworth, died at a care home on Thursday following a long illness.
Mr Hawkes spent 43 years as a journalist in Birmingham, working for both the Mail and the Post, but will be best remembered as senior crime reporter on the Post.
READ MORE: {}
His catalogue of high-profile assignments included the Cannock Chase Murders and hunt for the Black Panther, Donald Neilson.
He wrote books about both and his 1978 work, Capture of the Black Panther, won the coveted Crime Writers' Association silver dagger award.
Murder on the A34 was hailed as the definitive background piece on the capture of child killer Raymond Leslie Morris.
When asked if he had made money from his books, Harry joked: "No, I have discovered crime does not pay."
Widow Eunice said: "I am very proud of what he achieved. He was totally committed to his job - he lived for it."
Most Read
Harry's last published piece appeared in the Birmingham Post - an article commissioned following the 2011 death of Neilson.
Former Mail deputy editor Tony Dickens said: "He was an old-time pro, very thorough. He was a great mentor to those younger reporters."
Fred Bromwich, who worked with Mr Hawkes on both the Mail and Post, said: "I remember him very fondly. He was a real pro.
"As far as his crime correspondent job went, he was the ultimate in the Midlands and far beyond.
"His list of contacts could not be bettered. He was a fantastic colleague to work with and a real character."
Outside work, Harry was an avid collector, and wrote an antiques column for the Post.
He was particularly proud of his large collection of old typewriters.
Don’t miss
"We must have about 100. There’s a loft full of them," added Eunice.
Harry is also survived by three children and three grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are yet to be made.