Former Chester Chronicle journalist Jim Brakell has died, aged 40.

The Liverpool-born writer had suffered a long illness and died at his mother’s home in Woolton.

He had spent ten years at the Chronicle, joining as a trainee reporter in 1989.

He worked his way up the ranks to become news editor and left in 1999 to join Trinity Mirror’s weekly titles in Liverpool.

He also spent time working at the Evening Leader in Chester and the Northwich Guardian, but had not worked recently due to his illness.

Chester Chronicle deputy editor Michael Green had worked with Jim during his entire period with the Chester Chronicle.

He said: “It is always upsetting to lose a friend and former colleague but to do so at such an early age is particularly distressing.

“Jim was liked and admired by all who worked with him and I had the privilege of watching him develop from a promising trainee to a talented newsdesk man.

“His death is a tragic loss to the profession and to the many people who regarded him as a valued friend.”

Jim came from a strong journalistic background.

His father, Tim, who died when Jim was 18, was a printer and his mother Diana worked for the Liverpool Echo for many years. He also leaves a half-sister, Sara.

His funeral was held in Liverpool on Friday.