President Higgins has led tributes to the Irish writer William Trevor, who has died at the age of 88.

The Cork-born novelist and playwright is among the most acclaimed writers of the last century.

He was known for novels such as Felicia's Journey and Love & Summer, as well as his prolific short story output.

Trevor was nominated five times for the Booker prize and won the Whitbread Prize three times.

Trevor lived in Devon in the UK since the 1950s.

We regret to announce the death of William Trevor, one of Ireland’s greatest writers. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.

— Penguin Random Ire (@PenguinRandomIE) November 21, 2016

President Higgins described as a "writer of elegance".

In a statement, the President said: "The work of William Trevor was widely regarded by his peers and critics as being among the finest literary works produced in Ireland. He received critical acclaim at home and abroad, and it was a great privilege for me to be able to bestow on him the honour of Saoi of Aosdána, a recognition from his peers, and a title given to those who have made a singular and enduring contribution to the creative arts.

"His loss will be felt most by his wife Jane and their two sons, Patrick and Dominic to whom Sabina and I send our condolences. But his death is also an immense loss to all readers who value the power of evocative words and the beauty of a story well told," he added.