Sue Townsend, best-known for her Adrian Mole series of books, has died at the age of 68.
The writer, who was left blind after suffering from diabetes for many years, died at home on Thursday after a short illness.
She achieved worldwide success with her books about angst-ridden teenager Adrian Mole and his later years.
The eight volumes sold millions of copies around the world.
Stephen Mangan, who played Adrian Mole in a 2001 television adaptation, tweeted his condolences:
Greatly upset to hear that Sue Townsend has died. One of the warmest, funniest and wisest people I ever met.
— Stephen Mangan (@StephenMangan) April 10, 2014
Townsend was born in Leicester, and set her most famous work in her home city.
She leaves behind her husband, Colin Broadway, and four children.
Her last tweet on February 28th wrote:
Good morning to all who tweet. Another language and country for you to guess today https://t.co/WsHC4WJSpu Good luck -ST x
— Sue Townsend (@SueTownsends) February 28, 2014
