TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Northern Echo journalist who has died from cancer.

Lynda Cleasby, 50, began her career in Darlington before she moved to the Western Daily Press, in Bristol, and then to public relations.

She died in hospital in Kent this week, near the home of her mother and stepfather, Connie and Bill Graham, and with her family by her side.

Her 18-year career in journalism started at The Northern Echo, before she moved to the Wolverhampton News and Star.

She moved to Bristol in 1989, where she became the first female assistant editor in the history of the Western Daily Press.

From there she headed Strategy PR's publications division, where she continued to work until illness intervened three weeks ago.

She also worked as a freelance for the Today and Daily Telegraph newspapers, as well as in broadcasting with HTV.

David Kelly, the managing director of Newsquest (North-East), which owns The Northern Echo, said: "Lynda began her editorial career in Darlington after switching from newspaper sales.

"She was vivacious, talented, hard-working and memorable, and it was no surprise that she should go on to make her mark in the media. She will be missed by many people."

Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised.