John Waters, managing director of the Bolton Evening News and Bury Times Group, has left the company.

He joined the Bolton Evening News in 1987 and became MD in May 1993.

Originally from London, John has been in the newspaper industry for more than 30 years and before becoming managing director, and had held senior positions as advertisement director and also national marketing and sales director of Reed Northern Newspapers.

He is well-known on the local business scene and away from his work has given valuable support to various organisations including Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce.

He hopes to maintain some of the positions he holds in the Bolton community but will also spend more time with his family.

Tim Blott, Newsquest’s regional managing director for Lancashire, will be taking over the immediate running of the business until a successor is appointed.