Ex-editor and Pride of Britain founder

FORMER Daily Mirror editor and founder of the Pride of Britain Awards, Peter Willis, has died at 54.

Mr Willis, who was married with two children, worked at the Mirror for 23 years after starting his career at the Manchester Evening News and The Sun. He also served as editor of the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People before becoming executive director at Reach, owner of the Western Daily Press.

Mr Willis was also well known for instigating the Pride of Britain awards, in which inspirational “ordinary” people are celebrated by royalty, politicians, celebrities and other prominent identities.

Reach editor-in-chief Lloyd Embley broke the news of Mr Willis’s death to Mirror staff on Monday, paying tribute to his “enormous” contribution to the company.

“His contribution to the Mirror and the wider group was enormous but his crowning achievement was to conceive, launch and establish the Pride of Britain Awards,” Mr Embley said in a message to staff.

“Without his drive, creativity and tenacity, Pride of Britain would never have become the national institution it is today.”

Reach chief executive Jim Mullen said: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Peter and my sympathies go out to his family and friends.

“I know that Peter was a muchloved colleague and achieved so much during his career, in particular as the driving force behind the Pride of Britain Awards that have become a national event. ”

Mr Willis died suddenly last Friday. To book a family announcement in the Western Daily Press call 08444 060263 or visit the website www. thisisbristol.co.uk/ announcements. Alternatively, visit our office at Bristol News & Media, 1 Temple Way, Bristol BS2 0BY. Our telephone lines are open from 8.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday