TRIBUTES have been paid to a respected former journalist who has died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Catherine Waring, who was born in Worcester and worked for the Shropshire Star, died earlier this month.

The 48 year-old, who went to St Mary’s Convent School in Worcester, worked for the Star and NWN Media in North Wales, died on May 3 at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

She had also battled Lupus, a disease which causes inflammation of the joints, skin and organs.

Her husband Richard said: “The doctors said if she hadn’t had lupus she could well have survived.

“It came as a big shock because she was improving, and at one stage she was close to being sent home. But then her oxygen levels kept dropping. I spoke to her on the phone and she didn’t complain, even though she must have been struggling.

“The girls from the ICU were brilliant with her. They put themselves in a hazardous situation every day. They did the level best they could for Catherine.

“She always wanted to be a journalist. She wasn’t really interested in going to a national newspaper or getting into television or radio. She loved doing local stories. She loved meeting people.”

Some of her former classmates from St Mary's, paid tribute in an Old Girls' Facebook group.

Sarah Crisp wrote: "How tragic - we were in the same class. Thoughts and prayers to the family."

Helen Gilroy wrote: "Such sad news. Her social media comments were just brilliant and often made me smile. RIP Catherine."

Kate Donello wrote: "Such sad news. I was a few years younger but her face is familiar. Sincere condolences to her loved ones. R.I.P Catherine."

She began her career as a trainee reporter on the Shrewsbury Chronicle in the early 1990s, later becoming a sub-editor for the Star and its weekly sister papers.

Former colleagues have also paid tribute. Caroline Jones, Midland News Association group editor for weeklies and features, said: “Catherine was a well-liked and respected journalist who always had a smile on her face.

“She was warm and kind, and her fantastic sense of humour is fondly remembered by her former colleagues. Her family and friends are in our thoughts at this very sad time.”