LONG-time Echo sports correspondent Alan Stickland was one of the longest-serving journalists in the country.

Alan, who has died aged 86, started at the what was then the Evening Echo in Bournemouth as a copy boy at the age of 16 or 17. He worked his way up through the ranks to deputy sports editor.

When he retired with the advent of hot metal technology in the late 1980s, he was said to be the longest-serving member of the National Union of Journalists in the country.

Alan was a fan of all kinds of sport, but particularly cricket and rugby. He also covered professional wrestling in Bournemouth.

He was a qualified football referee and cricket umpire. He also broadcast on the BBC, providing commentaries for Hampshrie cricket matches at Dean Park.

His family have been receiving tributes from many colleagues who remembered Alan’s kindness and advice over the years.

A devoted family man, Alan met his future wife Jean at a show at the Pavilion when they were teenagers. They were married for 68 years until his death.

He leaves behind Jean, daughter Mary and son Rob, also known as comedy singer Sidney Harbour.

A funeral service and celebration of his life was held earlier this month at Bournemouth Crematorium, with donations to Margaret Green Animal Rescue.