A FORMER St Helens Star distribution manageress, who made sure your favourite local paper landed on the doormat every Thursday, has lost her brave battle against cancer.

Pauline Hutton died at home last Friday, aged 72, surrounded by her family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Described as a "strong-willed" character, Pauline, who was originally from Hamer Street, worked for the company for more than 20 years, later relocating to Bolton.

Her daughter Mandy Britch said she maintained her resolute outlook on life right until the end.

The 46-year-old said: “She wasn’t frightened of dying. She would say ‘when your number’s up, your number’s up’.

“Mum was such a friendly person and would still meet up with her friends, even though she was very ill. It’s comforting to the family that people liked her so much.”

Editor Steve Leary added: “Pauline was a smashing lady, who played a vital role in our success story down the years. It’s so sad to lose another member of the old team.”

Former Star journalist Sue Gerrard, who enjoyed a long friendship with Pauline, said: “We went to see her the day before she died and it was the same old Pauline.

“She was so brave right to the end. She will be greatly missed by all her many friends.”

After leaving the newspaper industry, Pauline, who was the youngest of 13, spent her remaining years working as a carer, making regular trips to the Isle of Man to look after a 90-year-old woman.

Her funeral service will be held at Lowe House Church, North Road, on Friday, at 2pm, before moving on to St Helens Crematorium.

Mandy has asked that any donations be made to the St Helens-based charity the HoneyRose Foundation.