Former Kent Messenger Group journalist Celia Shingleton has died, aged 79.

The former reporter worked for the newspaper group for 28 years in various roles, including reporter-in-charge at its Maidstone office.

She also spent time working at the group's Sevenoaks office and head office in Larkfield, and was well-known for her integrity, accuracy and fairness in her reporting.

John White, assistant editor of the group's new media department, and a former Kent Messenger news editor, said: "Celia was a likeable, highly reliable journalist who was trusted by council members, officials and many other contacts.

"You didn't often have to tell Celia what to do - she knew."

Celia leaves a daughter, Lee, son Brian and four grandchildren.

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