Ex-Mail writer William Greaves dies aged 79

FORMER Daily Mail news reporter and feature writer William Greaves has died aged 79.

After a successful career in local newspapers, he joined the Mail in Manchester before arriving in Fleet Street in 1966.

An instinctively gifted writer, he travelled the world for the Mail, filing evocative and colourful reports. He left in 1986 to write for other national newspapers.

In retirement, William co-founded the charity Capital Kids Cricket to help introduce thousands of inner city youngsters to the sport. He also wrote a book on the history of Britain’s pubs, and an etiquette guide for ordering rounds in pubs, called Greaves’ Rules, which can be found hanging in many bars today.

He died peacefully at home and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Suzanne, and three children. He was a Guildsman at St Bride’s Church in Fleet Street and his funeral will be held there at 11.30am on Friday December 15.