A RETIRED showbusiness journalist has paid tribute to veteran celebrity Nicholas Parsons who died this week.

John Rimington, from Rawdon, said: “Nicholas Parsons was a brilliant broadcaster who worked in TV, film and stage well into his 90s. He was always the gentleman, generous and great company to be in.”

He said the presenter often stayed with him and his wife Joyce when they were living in Ilkley.

Mr Parsons, who was 96, was with his family when he died on Tuesday morning after a short illness.

The veteran broadcaster was best known for Just A Minute, where panellists have to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.

He fronted the Radio 4 show since its inception in 1967 and only missed two recordings. His last episode aired on September 16 last year.

Mr Rimington worked for many years as a Fleet Street correspondent and a publicist in America.