Veteran journalist and former editor of Malayalam daily "Mathrubhumi" K K Sreedharan Nair died at a private hospital here today following a brief illness.

86-year old Nair was admitted to the hospital today for age-related ailments and his end came hours later, hospital sources said.

Beginning his journalism career as a sub-editor in Mathrubhumi in 1953, Nair had an illustrious career in various capacities including Chief Sub-Editor, News Editor and Deputy Editor.

Nair, who was appointed Editor of the daily in 1990, continued in the post for 10 years.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed his condolences. CM said Sreedharan Nair was a journalist who had his own style and identity.