A former director of a regional newspaper group has died aged 73.

Tributes have been paid to Mary Taylor, left, who was a director of Northern Ireland’s Alpha Newspapers before her retirement in 2014.

Alpha owns titles including the Antrim Guardian, Ballymena Guardian, The Tyrone Constitution and the Newry Democrat.

Mary was married to former Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader John Taylor, Lord Kilclooney, and senior UUP figures have been among those to oay tribute.

UUP leader Doug Beattie “I wish to offer my personal, along with the wider Ulster Unionist Party’s condolences to John, the Lord Kilclooney and the wider Taylor family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”

Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson added: “Mary Taylor was a lifelong and committed unionist with a deep passion for her country.

“On behalf of the DUP our thoughts and prayers are with John, his children, grandchildren and the wider family circle at this time.”

Mary is also surviced by children Jane, Jonathan, Rachel, Rowena, Alexandra and Hannah, and nine grandchildren.