Peter Cooper, a well-known Midlands journalist who helped many journalists in the early stages of their careers, has died.

He had been ill for some time with Parkinson’s Disease and died of a heart attack. He was 60.

Born in Coventry, Peter spent his childhood in Australia before returning to the Midlands in his early 20s.

He worked at the Rugby Advertiser, the Nuneaton Tribune and the Coventry Evening Telegraph before joining the Midland News Association – publishers of the Shropshire Star and Wolverhampton Express & Star – in 1977.

As editorial training officer for the group he was responsible for training dozens of young reporters.

After leaving his training role Peter became editor of the Bridgnorth Journal, serving for five years.

He later worked for computer firm PCS as publicity and public relations manager before retiring through ill health in 1994.

He leaves a widow, Carol, two children and two grandchildren.

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