TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved journalist from Wirral.

Phil Key, of West Kirby, who as died aged 79, following a long illness, was well known across Merseyside's arts scene in his role as the long running arts editor of the Daily Post.

Famous for his trademark trilby hat and moustache, Phil wrote extensively about the region's theatre, music and arts scene and was loved and respected by so many who's careers he supported.

Paying tribute, Phil's niece, Nicola Key, said: "Philip spent most of his professional life as arts editor of the Liverpool Post, where he was much liked and respected and considered an honorary Scouser, although he lived across the Mersey in West Kirby.

"He had a good collection of trilby hats, enjoyed Famous Grouse, smoking, George Formby, opera, jazz, Star Trek, P.G. Wodehouse, books on killers, his cat and playing the banjo ukelele...to name but a few of his ardent interests.

"He is survived by his twin and by his oldest brother Michael, as well as nieces and nephews in England, Denmark and Australia."

Theatre manager, Anthony Proctor-Williams, said: "If you asked me to draw a theatre critic, I'd hand you a picture of Mr Key. Phil's support of the Arts in Merseyside brought hundreds of thousands of people into the region's theatres, galleries and music venues.

"Mr Key was always generous with his time before a performance and I really value the theatrical wisdom he passed on to me. Phil's great power was to always put the art centre stage, he was never the story. His reviews were written for the betterment of the Arts, always supportive, he used his words for good."

Current Wirral Globe content editor, Jamie Bowman, who worked with Phil at the Daily Post, added: "Phil's trilby, whiskey and cigarette combo were an ever present on the Liverpool arts scene for many years and I always enjoyed his company over a drink or two in the Cross Keys.

"An ever present at NUJ meetings too he really took me under his wing in my early days at the Echo and I will miss his sparkling wit and devilish smile."