Staff at the Rhyl Journal have said goodbye and good luck to deputy editor Diane Ashton, who has retired after almost 40 years in journalism.

Diane, (56), spent 18 years at the Journal, working as chief reporter before being appointed deputy editor last year, and began her career at the Warrington Guardian.

Last November she was named North Wales Newspapers Reporter of the Year.

During a farewell party, Journal editor Steve Rogers paid tribute to Diane (pictured), describing her as the “finest journalist in North Wales”.

He said: “Diane is simply the perfect journalist and a wonderful role model for the young reporters who have passed through the Journal.

“They have been able to watch a consummate professional at work, someone who prides herself on attention to detail and getting things right as well as showing great compassion when dealing with people faced with tragedies.

“She leaves the Journal at the peak of her profession and will be a hard act to follow.”