A journalist whose family were unable to visit him in his final days due to coronavirus restrictions has died aged 79.

Tributes have been paid to Frank Corless, who finished his career doing shifts on the newsdesk for the Liverpool Daily Post after spending many years working in the city for Fleet Street titles.

Frank, pictured, was the Daily Mirror’s Merseyside and North Wales district reporter for more than 30 years, having begun is career on a local newspaper in St Helens.

He had suffered a long illness, and his family were only able to speak to him by telephone recently at the care home where he was being looked after.

Mirror colleague Ian Cameron told the Liverpool Echo: “If you could encapsulate the essence of a Daily Mirror man, in terms of dedication and excellence, it would have been Frank Corless.

“He was a fine reporter, who was woven into the Liverpool tapestry of the 60’s and 70’s of major industrial strikes and the triumphs of Liverpool FC.”

Frank, a Liverpool Press Club member, is survived by wife Sylvia, a daughter, two sons and four granddaughters.

Former Mirror managing editor Colin Myler said: “Frank was one of the first national journalists I encountered in Liverpool.

“He was one of the Mirror’s district men in the city and an impressive operator who made such a huge impression on me.

“Frank was always kind, wise, incredibly supportive and always encouraging.

“He was a master of Mirror tabloid intros and tight writing style and I learned a lot from him.

“Frank was a gentleman and a wonderful friend. My sincere condolences go to Sylvia, Sophie[daughter] and his entire family.”

There will be a private family funeral, but plans are being made for a memorial service when the COVID-19 emergency has passed.