TRIBUTES have been paid to a former journalist who “fell in love” with Burnham after moving to the town.

Alan Watkins, who died aged 74 with his family by his side, was a former news editor at The Sun who was was heavily involved in proving the link between Mad Cow Disease and its human equivalent, CJD.

He also tackled stories such as the Aberfan disaster and the Brighton bombings in the 80s.

In 1979 Alan moved to Burnham after securing his position at The Sun.

Daughter Susan Watkins said: “He moved here because he used to live in Billericay, but wanted somewhere bigger.

“He started working for The Sun around then so bought the house in Burnham and absolutely fell in love with place.

“He did a lot of work at St Cuthbert’s Church in the town. 

“In the last 15 years he spent in Burnham he never really left. He had everything he wanted here.

“In his later life he took to rescuing hedgehogs in Burnham and the Dengie. 

“He used to take them in, rehabilitate them, care for them, and let them off when they were well again. He was a wonderful man.”

Alan took a lot of pride in his work, and continued to do so almost until the day he died on October 31, despite pleas from Susan.

She added: “He worked right up until the end. He sold a story on the day he fell ill.

“He just loved being a journalist and no matter how hard I tried to convince him to retire, he wouldn’t do it.

“He broke endless stories of national importance, but none mattered more to him than his work on proving the link between Mad Cow Disease and the human variant CJD.

“For months he battled with Department of Health officials, working alongside eminent medical professors and the families of children infected with the deadly disease.

“Finally, after much hard work, he was able to publish what he knew. 

“This in turn led to an extremely vitriolic letter from the then Minister of Health arriving on the news desk. 

“He always described receiving that as one of his greatest achievements.

“Today all blood products must be screened for evidence before being given to patients.”

Alan’s funeral is to be held next Thursday at 11am at St Cuthbert’s Church, on Western Road, Burnham. All donations should go to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

He is survived by wife Ruth, daughter Susan and grandson Daniel.