Manchester Evening News editor Paul Horrocks has been named as one of the most powerful people in the North West.

The 52-year-old, who has edited the MEN since 1997, comes in at number 37 in this year's Power 100 list, compiled by North West Business Insider magazine.

In doing so he has been deemed more powerful than the likes of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson (No. 44), and was the only newspaper editor to make the list.

In the past year Paul (pictured), has overseen the launch of a morning edition and a new 'Lite' edition which, according to the Insider, "looks better than the main paper".

It also credits him with fending off strike action at the title and bringing on some new blood.

He has worked at the MEN for 30 years, working his way up from reporter to editor, and in addition to his newspaper role he is a non-executive member of MIDAS, the North West investment agency for new business.

He is also a member of the Press Complaints Commission, a director of the Society of Editors and a patron of the Francis House Hospice.

The Power 100 list is compiled once a year and includes the 100 most powerful individuals in the North West, based on the criteria that they have influence over the economic, political and cultural life of the region.

The magazine uses intelligence gathered through the year by its editorial team as well as some timely off-the-record debates held to discuss where the power resides in the region.

John Whittaker, chairman of Peel Holdings, which operates The Trafford Centre, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and The Manchester Ship Canal, was named number one.