Former Stourbridge News snapper dies aged 86

Kenneth Webb, born in Dudley in 1936, started working as a snapper for the Kidderminster Shuttle in 1977, and later the Stourbridge, Dudley and Halesowen News as part of the same media group until his retirement in 2001.

Mr Webb was in the RAF in the 1950s, flying Avro Lincolns as an air signaller. His son Gavin Webb said that during his time in the RAF he was the sole survivor of an air accident, and left the armed forces shortly after. 

In the 1960s he worked in the press room of GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), in London, and later worked as a bus driver. He drove a Routemaster bus - purely so he could continue his love of aviation as Transport for London had a subsidised flying club.

Kenneth Webb

In London, he met the “love of his life” Penny, his wife of more than three decades, who passed away in 2003.

During his retirement, Mr Webb volunteered at Hartlebury Castle, helping to restore and preserve museum exhibits with friends.

A snap of a lioness at West Midland Safari Park, taken by Mr Webb

A photo of Barbara Windsor taken by Kenneth when she visited Kidderminster

Clive Joyce, who was the editor of the Shuttle from 1993 to 2014, paid tribute to Mr Webb.

He said: "He was a very valuable member of staff in that he knew so many people.

"People used to tip him off about various things all the time."

Kenneth Webb (far right) with the Kidderminster Shuttle team in the late 70s, featuring editor Ted Millward (second from left)

Mr Webb was looked after at Hollyfield's Care Home in Kidderminster before his death, and his son Gavin thanked the staff for their support. He passed away on Sunday, July 17.

A short open-air service is being planned for Mr Webb at Hartlebury Castle, with details yet to be finalised.

His son added that Mr Webb wished to be cremated and his ashes scattered out of a Tiger Moth plane over the Ogwen Valley in Wales.