AN accomplished Anglo-Indian journalist who worked on the Hertfordshire Express (later The Gazette) from 1959 to 1966, died of heart failure last week, aged 86. Eric Vernon Scott was founder executive and news editor of the Deccan Herald, an English speak

AN accomplished Anglo-Indian journalist who worked on the Hertfordshire Express (later The Gazette) from 1959 to 1966, died of heart failure last week, aged 86.

Eric Vernon Scott was founder executive and news editor of the Deccan Herald, an English speaking newspaper in India.

He came to England in 1953 and, despite the odds stacked against him, found work as a journalist on the Hampstead and Highgate Express in London. In doing so he was one of the first non-Caucasian journalists in this country.

In 1959 he moved to Hitchin where he joined the Hertfordshire Express. He moved again in 1966 to become assistant editor of Countryside Magazine Group which comprised Hertfordshire Countryside, Essex Countryside and Bucks and Berks Countryside. He became editor in 1972 and remained there until he retired in 1985.

Eleven years later Mr Scott, who was known as EV or Scotty, founded a publishing company and was still very much involved in the venture until his death.

A keen sportsman, he adored cricket and tennis and was also one of the founder members of Redhoods Badminton Club in Letchworth GC where he played well into his 70s.

His wife Philomena predeceased him. He leaves a son, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Mr Scott's funeral will be at St Francis' Church in High Street, Shefford, at 12.30pm on Monday, February 12.

Pauline Rhodes, the author of the book he was in the process of publishing who knew him since 1979, said: "He leaves a huge legacy in the literary world of both the written word and journalists who owe much of their careers to him. He will be greatly missed.