A former regional journalist has died in America at the age of 56 just weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Tributes have been paid to Patricia Hudson, known as Trish, who worked for the Burnley Express prior to moving to the USA in 2012.

The move had been a dream for Trish, pictured, whose great-grandmother was a native American Cherokee from the Cree tribe.

She spent time living in Texas and Virginia Beach, where her mum Yvonne lives, as well as Orang County, in California.

Her friend Joanne Heron told the Express: “Trish was very popular and her vibrant personality, smile and laughter was adored by many.

“She was a beautiful soul with a generous heart and caring demeanour. When anyone met Trish you became a friend for life. She was incredibly brave and courageous.”

Trish worked for a mortgage company before joining the Express as a trainee reporter.

She then went to work for Express Gifts as a print buyer, a role which gave her the opportunity to travel the world and resulted in a move to California when she was headhunted.

Trish frequently returned to England, visiting twice last year to see her son Perrie and newborn grandson Felix.

She is also survived by another son, Michael, who lives in Callifornia. A beach front celebration of her life was held there on Sunday.