A former North Wales and Merseyside journalist has died aged 65.

Gill Isted worked in the Mold office of the Flintshire Chronicle until her retirement in 2004 and previously worked for the Ellesmere Port Pioneer.

Chronicle reporter George Tattum, who worked with Gill for over ten years, said: “Gill was renowned for her accuracy and was always concerned about the underdog.

“She relentlessly pursued the truth and was keen to cut through red tape and bureaucracy.

“Many of her former colleagues have been saddened by the news of her death.”

Originally from Bangor, Gill became a teacher and later moved to Ellesmere Port where she met her husband George while canvassing for local elections.

She gave up teaching in the 1970s and took a journalist’s job with the Ellesmere Port Pioneer.

From here she joined the Flintshire Chronicle and, with her passion for arts, interviewed many top names in the business.

She regularly reviewed productions at Clwyd Theatr Cymru and also travelled further afield as a critic.

Gill was also a supporter of North Clwyd Animal Rescue and chairwoman of the Flintshire area committee of Clwyd Community Health Council.

Her funeral will be held at 2.15pm on Monday at Bangor Crematorium.