Tributes have been paid to a “supremely talented” Kent author who has died aged 70.

Elaine Everest, who wrote The Woolworths Girls series, passed away last Friday (August 16) following a battle with “ongoing health issues”.

Elaine, who was living in Swanley at the time of her death, grew up in nearby Erith, and was inspired by stories of the war to write the Sunday Times bestselling series, which was published by Pan Macmillan in 2016.

The historical saga writer wrote a further 15 historical saga novels set around the Second World War.

Before becoming a novelist, Elaine was a journalist and wrote for women’s magazines and national newspapers.

Along with husband Michael, she owned Old English Sheepdogs and exhibited, bred and judged her breed, as well as penning articles about them for pet publications.

She was also a qualified creative writing tutor and ran The Write Place creative writing school in Hextable.

Her agent Caroline Sheldon said: "I have had the pleasure of representing Elaine’s novels for well over a decade.

"Elaine herself had a Saturday job in Woolworths and in her writing she brought alive the adventures and gossip of a group of young girls working in the iconic store.

“Her writing was full of vigour and energy alongside the period detail and nostalgia that her readers loved.

“She will be much missed by all who knew her and the many who loved her books."

Lucy Hale, managing director of Pan Macmillan said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Elaine Everest, whose heartwarming tales of love, resilience and community spirit have captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands of readers.

“Not only was Elaine a supremely talented storyteller; she was also an incredibly hard-working author who loved connecting with her readers, and who we all loved working with.

"We were all looking forward to celebrating the publication of A Christmas Wish at Woolworths together this year.

“We are thinking of her husband Michael and all those closest to her at this difficult time."

“She will be much missed by all who knew her and the many who loved her books...”

Publishing director of Pan Fiction Katie Loughnane added: “It has been a privilege to work with Elaine, who is undoubtedly one of Britain’s best-loved saga writers.

“I have always been inspired by the women in her stories, who never fail to find laughter, forge friendships and—above all—demonstrate resilience and hope during times of uncertainty.

“Elaine will be sorely missed by the whole team at Pan Macmillan, as well as those in our wider community: authors, bloggers, booksellers and, of course, her legions of dedicated readers."

Bexley Library Service says it was “deeply saddened” to hear about Elaine’s death which has come as a “huge loss” to her many local fans across the borough.

It said: “Elaine has long been a great supporter of libraries, giving talks about her books and hosting creative writing workshops over many years to pass on her knowledge and skills to new writers.

“Our sincere sympathies go to her husband, Michael, at this very sad time – Elaine will be greatly missed.”

Following the author’s death a tribute was posted on her website.

It read: “Elaine left us suddenly following some ongoing health issues, and it is still a shock to her family and friends.

“Elaine’s words and stories touched lives. They reawakened memories and nostalgia for a bygone age for some and introduced new worlds and a sense of history for others.

“With her books, Elaine has left us with gifts that will continue to delight, inspire and surprise for many years to come.

“Elaine leaves behind her husband, Michael and an army of heartbroken friends, writing and publishing colleagues.

“We know you will feel a deep sense of loss, so please join us in mourning Elaine by doing what Elaine did so beautifully - using words to tell us what she meant to you.”

Her new book A Christmas Wish at Woolworths is due to be published at the end of October.