Former Nottingham Evening Post women's editor Jean Davey has died, aged 75.

She had enjoyed a 40-year career in journalism, including 31 years at the Post, and had also worked on newspapers in Northampton.

Among her many achievements was the successful launch of the Post's Action Desk in 1974, and over the next 15 years she helped solve consumer problems for more than 66,000 readers.

Jean was also noted for her sense of fun and when she retired in 1989 Nottingham City Transport rolled up with a 60th birthday surprise - enabling Jean to achieve a lifelong ambition to drive a double decker bus.

Former colleague Emrys Bryson said: "Jean had an impish sense of fun and a kindly eye for the absurdities of life.

"She and I used to roam the city at lunchtime in search of the quaintness of the Nottingham scene.

"Once we sheltered from the rain in the doorway of the old College of Art in Waverley Street during half-term.

"Suddenly it opened and the caretaker ushered us into a room where stood a 20ft high elephant made of papier mache by the students.

"Jean was entranced - as she always was with everything around her."