Best-selling Bolton author Ruth Hamilton has died, her publisher has confirmed.

The acclaimed writer who has been described as a “force of nature” by those that knew her, was 76.

She penned numerous much-loved novels including Mulligan’s Yard, The Reading Room, Mersey View and That Liverpool Girl.

Born behind the former Theatre Royal in Churchgate, she grew up at a house in Tonge Moor Road.

She spent most of her life in Lancashire but had been living in Liverpool most recently.

She often returned to Bolton and used the town as the setting for many of her famous books.

Wayne Brookes is head of publishing at Pan Macmillan and worked with Ruth for the past six years.

He said: “I actually knew her for several years before that and saw her in a way as my grandmother.

“She was a complete force of nature and a very, very special lady.

“Every time she called me up, everyone in the office would know it was her on the line because I would be in stitches and howling laughing, she was very funny.”

He said the news of her death had come as a shock, adding: “We knew she had her ailments but it was quite sudden.

“Ruthie has been a huge part of my life and I will miss her and our conversations greatly.”

Speaking about her writing, Mr Brooks added: “Ruthie was one of the best storytellers to ever walk the earth.

“Her books were dark and dramatic but had this amazing northern humour that came through.

“She was very proud of her Bolton roots and even when she moved to Liverpool she would often want to go back.”