Former Southport Visiter reporter Nancé Greaves, (80), has died after a seven month battle with lung cancer.

Nancé, born Ann Jane Halsall, joined the paper at just 17 years of age and became best known during her long career as Nancé Cookson, her name from her first marriage.

The mother-of-one developed a reputation as an expert court correspondent while her popular column ‘Out and About with Nancé’ covered all aspects of Southport life.

Later in her career Nancé worked as a secretary to a host of senior editorial executives including former managing editor Ian Hargraves, former editorial director, the late George Cregeen, and retired Visiter editor Alan Pinch.

Her funeral was held in Southport last week and this Friday’s Visiter will contain a full tribute including memories from former colleagues.