Author Bali Rai: Sue Townsend was a 'national treasure'

Leicester writer Bali Rai has paid tribute to Adrian Mole author Sue Townsend, who has died aged 68.

Rai, who informed the BBC of Townsend's death, said he felt "very privileged" to have become friends with the author who inspired him to write.

Speaking with BBC Radio 5 live's Breakfast, Rai said: "We've lost a national treasure."

"She was just wonderfully warm, wonderfully witty... she was just a fantastic person and she's going to be really, really, sorely missed."