A regional press feature writer and author whose career took him to Hollywood has died aged 55.

The Nottingham Evening Post’s John Brunton had been battling a long illness and died at his home in Beeston, near Nottingham, on Sunday.

John, left, who was still working up until his death, started his journalism career with the now defunct Long Eaton Advertiser in the early 1970s.

From there, he joined the Bournemouth Evening Echo, Western Daily Press in Bristol and IPC Magazines in London.

His main role was as a show business reporter for Titbits, a job which saw him travel to Hollywood to interview stars such as Dolly Parton and the cast of Dallas.

John later co-wrote a book called ‘Whatever Happened To…’ which charted the careers of pop stars no longer in the limelight.

He returned to his native East Midlands over 20 years ago when he joined the Evening Post, working as a feature writer and television editor.

More recently he played a key role in the Bygones nostalgia team, utilising his vast knowledge of Nottingham’s history.

Local writer Billy Ivory was among those paying tribute to John.

He told the NEP: “He was one of my contacts right from the beginning of my career. I remember him coming out on set when we did Common As Muck and Nightflight. He was old school. He always had a bit of gossip.”

Evening Post editor Malcolm Pheby added: “John’s death has been a great shock to everyone at the Post.

“He was a true character and a talented writer, with a wealth of stories. He will be sadly missed in the newsroom. Our thoughts are with his family.”