Former Kent journalist and press officer Liz Dickens has died aged 54 after a long illness.

Liz began her journalism career with Kentish Times Newspapers in the late 1970s before joining the now defunct Kent Evening Post.

Her final job in the local press as features editor with the Medway News and was also crowned Kent Journalist of the Year.

She later joined the press office at Gillingham Council and worked in PR for what was Rochester-upon-Medway City Council and the London Fire Service.

Five years ago she took the top job in the corporate communications department of Kent Police.

Melody Foreman, Kentish Times series group editor who worked with Liz at the Evening Post, said: “Liz was tremendously intelligent, a great writer and fun to work with too.

“We had a lot of laughs together during our time on the Evening Post features desk.

“Along with the Kentish Times’ editorial team I was very sad to hear of her death and would like to express my condolences to her family and friends.”

Liz is survived by her husband and three children and her funeral was held in Medway last week.