PUBLIC relations consultant John Taynton of Horrabridge has died after suffering with cancer for some years.

Mr Taynton was director of the Tavistock agency PR Dogs, a former chairman of Horrabridge Parish Council and former board member of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.

Before founding his agency with co-director Chris Tear, Mr Taynton was in charge of corporation communications for the South West Regional Development Agency.

As a journalist he worked on newspapers in the Midlands and for BBC local radio.

PR Dogs will be continuing under the direction of Mr Taynton's daughter, Emma Taynton-Young.