SUE CRAWFORD was just 19 when she went into local journalism.

It was the start of a career that she adored – and one she was always going to succeed in because of her natural talents – insatiable curiosity, an ever-questioning intelligence, a deep-rooted desire to see justice done, and a passion for story-telling.

Sue had no family connections to journalism; and as she began her career at The Cumberland News the profession undeniably had a macho culture, its key players often being grizzled, beer-loving ‘hacks’ whose main office was the pub.

Sue was more than capable of dealing with it.

More than anything, she loved the job because it paid her for pursuing her passion of story-telling and meeting fascinating people. Always a good listener, she found stories because she was genuinely interested.

Sue was also astonishingly resilient – a necessary quality for any career journalist. She had a knack for being at the heart of events – never more so than when she drove north on the night of December 21, 1988, when confused reports came in of a huge explosion at Lockerbie, 25 miles north of the border.

Sue was one of the first journalists to reach the scene.

Talking to locals and police officers, Sue quickly discovered this was not, as early rumours suggested, a ‘meteorite strike’ but an appalling terrorist atrocity. Sue led local newspaper coverage of the attack, which killed all 259 people on Pan Am flight 103 and 11 people on the ground. Understandably, the experience had a huge personal impact.

As her experience, local knowledge and reputation deepened, Sue became the “go-to” local reporter when people had an important story. She became a mentor to generations of young journalists – particularly after she took on the role of news editor, overseeing both The Cumberland News and the News & Star.

Despite the move into management, Sue always had the knack of being able to talk comfortably to anybody, putting them at their ease, whether that person was royalty, a company boss, or a street cleaner.

All were treated with respect. After more than 40 years in journalism, she took redundancy, using her new-found freedom to write freelance and enter local politics, easily winning Currock for Labour on the City Council.

She threw herself into community work, chairing Currock Community Centre. Even as she bravely battled cancer, Sue was politically active. Some who knew her speculated credibly that she could have been an excellent – and feisty – local MP.

A proud mum, born in Dalston, she was always fun, and never dull or drab.

Her bohemian tendencies were at times expressed in her daring hair colours – whether red, maroon, or gloriously purple.

She was the proud owner of a red leather jacket and bright green Doc Martens. Nobody was surprised when she recently bought some maroon ‘skinhead stomp boots.’ Sue and her husband Phil Taylor loved their holidays – especially to the Highlands.

Following Sue’s death, aged 65, tributes flooded in, the many comments hinting at the positive and lasting impact she has had.

Brave, brilliant, genuine, caring, fun... those were just some of the words used to describe her.

Sue leaves husband Phil; daughter Freya Whitfield, 34; grandchildren Elliot, six, and Toby, two; and brothers David, 63, and Gordon, 53. She was the daughter of the late David and Margaret Crawford, of Dalston.

She passed away on Tuesday, the day her mother would have celebrated her 92nd birthday had she been alive.

Sue's funeral - to include a collection in lieu of flowers to raise money for Carlisle Mencap and Eden Valley Hospice - is planned for Wednesday, June 30, at midday and will be at St Michael's Church in Dalston.

The tributes already posted online include:

* “Sue was such a fantastic person. One of the loveliest, most genuine and caring people I have worked with.” BBC Look North Political Editor Richard Moss

* “She was a wonderful woman, a loyal colleague and a great friend.” Former Cumberland News Editor Maurice Chesworth.

* “A wonderful and fun person to work with and to know.” Former Chief Photographer at Cumbrian Newspapers, Stewart Blair.

* "Sue was an amazing woman, liked by everyone and a lovely friend. She will be missed." Carlisle city councillor Lee Sherriff.

* "I’m absolutely gutted to read this. Sue was a lovely person and a brilliant journalist. My thoughts are with her family and her many friends at this time." RMT Union regional official and former Carlisle Mayor Craig Johnston.

* "Sue was a wonderful kind, caring, intelligent and very brave woman, who I regarded as a good friend." Former Carlisle College lecturer Suzanne Kelsey.

* "Just an incredible, wonderful lady and journalist. I chatted with Sue several times at Newspaper House. My thoughts go out to your wonderful family and friends. You were the best." Casting Agent for film & TV Phil Mckay.