ONE of Worcester's most colourful freelance journalists, Eric King, has died.

Although a frequent contributor to many Midlands publications, Eric will probably best be remembered for his time on the pioneering church newspaper Worcester Diocesan Messenger.

The journal's radical approach to church matters frequently ruffled official feathers, never more so than in 1968, when Eric wrote an article in American gangster slang about the diocese's administrative headquarters in Deansway.

In it, he referred to the then Archdeacon of Worcester, the Ven Peter Eliot, as "a guy called Archie, who's top trigger for Big Daddy" - Big Daddy being The Bishop of Worcester, Dr L M Charles-Edwards, a man of considerable size.

The story had begun: "A week ago the syndicate threw a wing ding for all the small fixers and pushers who work all year round in the Deansway HQ keeping Big Daddy's rackets rolling and bringing in the take."

Although the Bishop himself never objected, many Worcester clergy were not amused and passed a resolution condemning Eric's effort.

He took it on the chin, retorting, "These narrow-minded clergy are trying to live a Church Times life in a Daily Mirror world."

Eric King had been born and brought up in Worcester and was educated at St Stephen's Primary School before moving on to the city's Royal Grammar School.

As well as being a writer, he was also a very good photographer and for a while ran his own photographic service.

In the 1970s he had a spell on the Evening News, editing the Letters page.

Eric, a bachelor, lived in Ombersley Road in a house that had been his family home for 74 years.

He died in hospital in Worcester on Friday, January 4, aged 78, following a brain haemorrhage.

There will be a funeral service at St Stephen's church, Worcester on Wednesday, January 16, at 11.30am followed by cremation.