Charlotte Cooper and I took our first steps into journalism together

I was very sad to hear the news about Charlotte. I remember her when we were both graduate trainees together - she was the sweetest, most vivacious person with an infectious laugh, always so delightful to be around.

She and I once did a story together for our training editor George Short that involved going down a coal mine in Yorkshire. I think the miners, who had stripped right down to their basics in the 30C heat and were covered in black coal, were as surprised to see two female trainee reporters turn up underground as we were to see them in their reduced state of dress.

I hadn't seen Charlotte for many years but she will always be a key person in my memory of that time, when we were both taking our first steps into journalism together.

My sincerest condolences to her family and all who knew her. What a terrible loss. ■