Sudden death of advertising manager

Staff at the Oldham Chronicle, the town's oldest independent newspaper, are in mourning today following the sudden death of advertising manager Jim Whittingham.

Mr Whittingham died this morning after suffering a massive stroke at his home.

He has had a close working relationship with staff at Rochdale Online since the Chronicle became co-owners of the Castleton based company last summer.

Mr Whittingham was well-liked and popular among his colleagues. He had been involved in marketing and advertising throughout his working life.

A keen Oldham Athletic supporter of more than 40 years, he was one of the founding directors of the club's supporters' trust in 2003.