A former regional daily journalist who once interviewed Sean Connery has died aged 70.

Tributes have been paid to Allison Hunter, pictured, who worked for newspapers including the Greenock Telegraph during her career.

Allison’s claim to fame was interviewing the James Bond actor, breaking the ice by asking Mr Connery how his mother was.

She also met her husband James at the Telegraph, where he worked as a sub-editor.

James, still a Telegraph columnist and motoring correspondent, told the paper: “Allison was highly regarded as a news reporter and feature writer.

“She wrote clean, crisp copy and was renowned for accuracy.

“Prominent figures Allison interviewed in the fields of entertainment and politics included the actor Sean Connery and Tony Blair when he was Prime Minister.”

“Although no longer possible in latter years due to mobility problems, she would also go off to Majorca on her own for 10 days or a fortnight, confident that her now grown up daughters Jennifer and Gillian would keep an eye on their father.”

Allison is also survived by grandchildren Piper, Oscar, Hunter and Theo, and brother Bruce. Her sister April passed away in 2021.

Former Telegraph editor Stewart Peterson added: “Within her first day it was obvious our new colleague was here to stay and to make a bright contribution for Telegraph readers.

“She brought a sound journalistic experience to the news team and always with an amiable smile and a good sense of humour to colleagues and the general public alike.

“Although Allison left the Telegraph to bring up her girls I am proud to say I have remained a friend of her and Jim until the untimely passing of a lovely friend.”

Allison was admitted to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, on Boxing Day and died last month. Her funeral was held yesterday.