A FORMER headteacher who launched a new career as a writer of historical novels has died just months after achieving a notable overseas success.

Tributes were paid to Linda Carlino, 70, who produced three highly praised books about Spanish royalty from her home in Barnard Castle, County Durham, following her retirement.

She was thrilled last autumn when one of her novels, That Other Juana, was translated into Portuguese by one of Europe’s leading publishers, Editorial Presenca, whose authors include JK Rowling, Ian Rankin, Paul McCartney, Terry Prachett and Fay Wheldon.

The firm said if global sales proved as good as expected, it would translate her other two books, A Matter of Pride and Wives and Other Women. It was also eager to see a fourth novel she was working on.

Speaking at the time, she said: “I am absolutely thrilled.

It is rewarding beyond words.”

While she was researching and writing the fourth volume – about a princess put into a convent at a young age – she fell ill and was unable to complete the novel.

Her husband, Charles, said: “Linda was overjoyed about the Portuguese publication and it is tragic that the end came so soon after it.

“She underwent a lot of treatment during her illness, but faced it with great courage.”

Mr Carlino received many tributes to his wife from friends and colleagues, who spoke highly of the dedication she showed during her education roles after qualifying at the former Wynyard Hall teacher training college.

Mrs Carlino started teaching in Darlington and had a spell at a Newton Aycliffe school before becoming head of four schools in succession at East Harlsey, near Northallerton, Mickleton, near Barnard Castle, West Auckland, and Alderman Leach, Darlington.

She was on holiday with her husband in Spain when she became fascinated with the country’s royal history, learning to speak Spanish so she could read ancient documents.

Mrs Carlino was a member of Barnard Castle Golf Club for 36 years and won many competitions. She and Mr Carlino have a son, Barry, and daughter-in-law, Suzanne.

Mrs Carlino’s funeral will be held at Darlington Crematorium next Monday, at 2.15pm.