Former York Evening Press journalist Vivian Brooks has died, aged 79.

She had spent 27 years with the Evening Press, and has been remembered by former colleagues as a "friendly, eccentric and highly-skilled journalist".

Her career in journalism began in 1947 when she joined the Isle of Wight County Press as a cub reporter.

Whilst there she helped found its branch of the National Union of Journalists, working as secretary.

She joined the Evening Press in 1955, where she worked as a news reporter before later becoming women's editor.

Paying tribute to Vivian, fellow York journalist Maggie Greenfield said: "I would see Vivian at jobs quite often, and I can remember how she was able to write up one court story while listening to another one.

"She was a jolly person, fun to be around. It's a real shame to hear she has gone."

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