Hundreds are expected to attend the funeral of a “caring, bright and funny” former newspaper editor next week.

Charlie Harris, of Woodlands, North Harrow, passed away after a short battle with liver and bowel cancer at a hospice on Saturday night.

The 60-year-old’s funeral will take place at the Roman Catholic Church of St Matthew in Hallowell Road, Northwood, at 11am next Tuesday, January 14.

After the service, he will be interred at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Oxhey Lane, Watford.

Following the burial, a reception will be held at the Harrow Hotel, in Pinner Road, Harrow.

News of his death has rocked hundreds of journalists who have all said they were inspired by his passionate and curious outlook on life.

His best friend and neighbour, Councillor James Bond, said: “I hope the church will be absolutely packed with people coming to say goodbye to him. Everyone is welcome to attend.

“Charlie touched a lot of people in a lot of ways. He was such a caring, bright and funny man.”

Charlie worked across Newsquest’s north London titles form 1989 to 2006, and was the first editor of the Harrow Times when it was launched in 1997.

He later became the only person to be elected as president of the Chartered Institute of Journalists twice - a role he was incredibly proud of and held up until his untimely death.

Determined to inspire the reporters of tomorrow, he also taught on various journalism courses and helped many of his students land their first jobs on newspapers.

Those who wish to attend the funeral must contact the CIoJ on memberservices@cioj.co.uk or on 020 7252 1187.

Instead of flowers, it was Charlie’s wish for donations to be made to St Luke’s Hospice, who cared for him in the weeks leading up to his death.

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/CharlieHarris