A GAZETTE journalist, who made his name reporting from inside Dale Farm during last year's heated eviction, has left this newspaper to go freelance.
During more than two years pounding the streets of Billericay and Wickford, Sam Smith, 26, became recognised for his fair approach, hard-hitting stories and community coverage.
Since joining the Gazette in August 2010, Sam, who grew up in Southampton, led local news coverage from within the Dale Farm travellers' site with around the clock updates.
He also became a well-known face around social groups and local businesses through his understanding and supportive approach of local community.
Trevor Draper, owner of The Billericay Cook Shop and The Emporium, both in the High Street, said: "He was always kind of protective of the vulnerable in the sense that I always said to him, 'when you quote me, don't make me look more of a bigger fool than I am' and he never did.
"He has real honesty and integrity, an eye for a story and he came across really well, I cannot speak more highly of him in those terms, I wish him every success in achieving all of his goals."
The leader of Basildon Borough Council, Tony Ball, also paid tribute to the softly spoken journalist.
He said: "Sam was very pleasant to deal with, he was courteous, but he asked searching questions as well.
"He was very, very professional and it's just shame that he was misguided in being a Southampton FC supporter.
"I wish him all he best for the future."
Gazette Editor Neville Wilson said Sam very quickly because a popular face of the paper across Billericay and Ongar.
He added: "Sam is the consummate professional, a very easy guy to like and extremely hard working.
"During Sam's time with us, he became immersed within the communities he covered, and already, I can tell you he is missed.
"What Sam brought to the table is integrity, honesty and immense empathy, and he gained respect for those qualities."
Sam is working as a freelance reporter for the London-based daily free sheet, Metro, and he is considering a move to India, where his mother was born, in the New Year.
