Tributes have been paid to former sub-editor and long-serving theatre critic Carol Carver, who has died after a long illness.

The 68-year-old was a former chief sub-editor at the Evening Star in Ipswich, but it was the theatre that was the love of her life and she was a keen supporter of amateur and professional productions in the area.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: "Carol had a great enthusiasm for the craft of journalism. She was redoubtable and didn't take fools gladly."

Deputy editor Mike Pennock added: "Staff at The Evening Star are very sorry to hear of Carol's death and we send our sympathies to her family and friends.

"Carol was a great character in the newsroom – a real stickler for accuracy and clarity in writing.

"Her work as a theatre critic was highly valued and always entertaining – she will be sadly missed by all in the amateur dramatic community."

Former Evening Star editor David Henshall also paid tribute.

He said: "We have lost a great friend and loyal colleague who had the most wonderful sense of humour which she retained in the face of physical pain."