Press photographer Ian Showell has lost his fight against cancer at the age of 59.

The news deals a second blow to Fleet Street in as many days, following the death of photojournalist Terry Fincher announced yesterday.

Ian worked for the Press Association and newspapers including the Daily Star.

He passed away in his sleep while being cared for in a Kent hospice.

?During a long and eventful career he covered many royal events and major news assignments including the Troubles in Northern Ireland,? said the Daily Star‘s Douglas Doig.

Ian is survived by wife Val and sons Paul and Neil.

His funeral takes place at 2pm on 14 October at St John?s Church, Layhams Road, West Wickham, Kent.

Mourners can send flowers, or donations to either Cancer Research or the Pilgrim?s Hospice, Hythe Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent TN24 ONE.

Picture: Ian Showell’s photograph of Douglas James, Pierce Brosnan’s double, being chased by a jet in a re-enactment of a stunt from a James Bond film

Ian Showell dies