Messenger news editor Sarah Clarke, the driving force behind the Pride in Medway awards, has passed away aged 55.

Tributes have been paid to Sarah by friends and colleagues after her death on Thursday night.

The passionate Crystal Palace fan had worked for the Messenger since joining the company as senior reporter in February 1987.

She was promoted to chief reporter then senior news editor, a role she remained in throughout her career.

She had been off work for a number of months as she fought cancer, a battle that colleagues said Sarah had approached with her customary optimism and calmness.

Colleagues remembered Sarah, who lived in Gillingham, as a dedicated, compassionate journalist who could ‘talk most men under the table’ with her detailed knowledge of football.

She was best known in the community as the driving force behind the Pride in Medway awards, which are now in their 17th year.

Sarah put huge amounts of her own time into turning the awards into one of the highlights of Medway’s calendar.

Medway Messenger reporter Nicola Jordan described Sarah as the ‘rock of the newsroom.’

She added: “She had a nose for a good story, hence her speedy promotion to running a newsroom.

"As well as reporting on hard news, Sarah was an incredibly compassionate journalist. She was the driving force behind Pride in Medway - indeed most would say she was Pride In Medway.

“She loved football. When the Gills got to Wembley, she worked through the night with the news team to put a special supplement together.

“As a news editor, Sarah was the rock of the newsroom. Working for much of her time on an evening paper, the Evening Post, she was a calming influence in frequent stressful situations. When a front page splash collapsed at the last minute, Sarah would always have a “Plan B”.

"Given the hours Sarah put into the job, it’s hard to believe that she fitted so much into her life" - Nicola Jordan

“When the system crashed completely Sarah had reporters dictating copy to head office in Larkfield from Norman’s sweet shop opposite the road.

“She took a great interest in education - for many years she was on the board of governors at Walderslade Girls' School.

"Given the hours Sarah put into the job, it’s hard to believe that she fitted so much into her life.”

Sarah leaves a son, Fraser, and partner Harry. Funeral details are yet to be released.

Harry paid tribute to his wife, saying Sarah had been laughing and joking up to the end.

He added: "Sarah’s spirit, stoicism and dignity in those final days were typical of her and the amazing strong woman, who I am proud to call my wife.

"Throughout her last year, I was constantly amazed by Sarah’s courage, strength and dignity, and I take some solace that the experience brought us even closer together and strengthened our love for each other.

"It has been hard to lose her so quickly; however, I am trying to tell myself that at least Sarah was spared the long drawn out, painful death that faces so many cancer sufferers.

"If you have to go, is there any better way to go than being pain free, as high as a kite on morphine chatting, laughing and joking with your friends and family around you?"