TRIBUTES have been paid to a prize-winning author who has died almost a year after the death of her father, whose books inspired the television drama Heartbeat.

Tricia Walker, 53, who grew up in Ampleforth, North Yorkshire, died on Monday, January 8, after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, her family said.

She was best-known for her debut novel Benedict’s Brother, which was voted Book of the Year by Publishing News and was the best-selling launch by an unknown debut author for Borders UK in 2007.

Tricia’s father was the author Peter Walker, who wrote the Constable series that was made popular in TV police drama Heartbeat. He died last April from prostate cancer.

In a statement, Tricia’s family, including her mother, Rhoda, sisters Janet and Sarah, and brother Andrew, said: “It is with enormous sadness that we wish to announce the death of our beautiful and loving daughter and sister Tricia. What we originally thought was a nasty stomach bug sadly turned out to be a rare and aggressive form of cancer. “

Tricia lived in Bournemouth had been treated at two hospitals there during her illness from November 30, and she spent her final day at St Leonard’s Hospice in York.

The statement added: “Tricia would be absolutely delighted if you would help us celebrate her life in the near future.

“Although Tricia has asked for a private cremation, she has also requested that we celebrate her life by scattering her ashes at Sutton Bank and in Boscombe near Bournemouth. You will all be very welcome to wish her a final farewell.”