Tributes have been paid to an experienced editor who “put everyone before herself”.

Elizabeth Martin, 56, from the Dumfries and Galloway Standard and Galloway News, was found dead at her home in Auchencairn on Saturday just a month after her husband Jack died.

In an emotional tribute, colleagues and civic dignitaries have spoken of the loss of a great friend.

Standard deputy editor Iain Pollock said: “We are deeply saddened to have lost a great friend and colleague.

“Elizabeth and her sense of fun will be truly missed by everyone at the Standard. She was a lovely, warm and caring person who put everyone before herself.

“She excelled as a journalist in her long career with the Standard and Galloway News but more than anything she excelled as a wonderful person to know.”

Elizabeth’s career spanned 40 years. She worked as a reporter with the Standard before stepping up to the role of deputy editor.

She then later took on the editorship of the Galloway News and then became editor for both titles.

Galloway News deputy editor Lee Kerr added: “Everyone here is utterly devastated by the sudden death of Elizabeth.

“She was a true professional in her role as the paper’s editor as well as a very kind person with a great sense of humour who cared deeply for all her friends and colleagues. She will be deeply missed by us all.”

Sir Norman Arthur, the former Lord Lieutenant of the Stewartry, said: “I am grateful to Elizabeth for all she gave to life and to her work as editor.

“Cheerfully fulfilling her demanding leadership of he News and Standard, she could always find time for friendship and enjoyment.

“Personally, I am grateful to Elizabeth and her team for their support during my ten years as the Stewartry’s Lord Lieutenant and for the generous coverage always given to my wife’s and my years of aid work in The Balkans.”

A police spokesman said: “The chief constable and staff of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary wish to express their sadness at the passing of Elizabeth Martin.

“The force would also want to place on record their appreciation for the close working relationship which Elizabeth helped to forge between the force and the Standard and Galloway News over many years.”

The funeral service will take place at Auchencairn Parish Church at noon tomorrow.