Long-serving Tamworth Herald journalist Mabel Swift has died, aged 88.

She had contributed to the Herald for more than 40 years, and continued to pen her ‘Swift Look Around’ feature until the week before her death.

Mabel first began writing for the weekly paper in 1966, and also wrote the ‘Know Your Tamworth’ feature as well as a women’s page for the Herald, ‘Her Herald’, which ran until 1990.

Herald editor Gary Phelps said: “Mabel was one of the great characters of Tamworth, and an intrinsic part of the Herald.

“No one knew more about our area’s history and no one was more passionate about heritage than Mabel. She was, quite simply, irreplaceable.”

Also paying tribute, former Herald editor Keith Boughey said: “She was a wonderful person and a skilled and dedicated local journalist.

“Her articles were meticulously researched and brilliantly written in a style which made local history accessible to all.

“She will live on through Swift Look Around which has, deservedly, gained cult status.”

Another former editor, Vincent Moseley, praised Mabel’s writing ability.

He said: “You never had to change a word in any of her articles, which were always precisely written and a hundred per cent accurate.”

Sam Holliday added: “Mabel’s love for Tamworth and its people was renowned and she gave so much back to the community over many years.

“Her insight into Tamworth’s long and proud history earned her a loyal and dedicated following and I am sure that there will be thousands of people who will be genuinely sorry to hear of her death.”

A widow, Mabel leaves three daughters and four grandchildren.