A retired journalist and dedicated charity fundraiser who lived to see two of her former newspapers close down has died, aged 83.

Peggy Bowe, whose 50-year journalistic career included stints at now-defunt titles including the Scunthorpe Star and the Lincolnshire Times, passed away last month following a short illness.

Her 50-year career also included a stint at surviving paper the Epworth Bells, as well as becoming deputy editor then editor for British Steel Corporation title The Steel News.

The Lincolnshire Times closed down in 1987, citing economic issues. The Scunthorpe Star followed suit just three years later, shutting down operations in 1990.

Peggy became well known for her charity work outside her writing. She took part in sponsored walks over the Humber Bridge to raise cash for Christian Aid as well as volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Society in North Lincolnshire.

She also helped to set up Scunthorpe’s Little Theatre Club, which has been running since 1949.

Club chairman and long-time friend George Hankinson paid tribute.

He said: “Although theatre was her lifelong enthusiasm, Peggy’s interests extended far, far wider.

“Her sponsored walks across the Humber Bridge in support of Christian Aid were at an age when it was not really a suitable thing for her to be doing.

“I miss her greatly and so will many, many others.”

A funeral service will be held on Friday (April 5) at the town’s Church of Resurrection at 12.30pm.