The leader of the Lib-Dem party Nick Clegg MP has visited a weekly newspaper under threat of relocation out of its patch.

The Stockport Express is one of several MEN Media titles based around Greater Manchester which could be produced from the office of sister daily the Manchester Evening News.

Mr Clegg and Cheadle MP Mark Hunter, left, dropped into the office to meet staff and quiz managing editor Stewart Rigby over the plans.

Mr Rigby said: “The Stockport Express is the only weekly that has gone up in circulation.

“However, classified advertising revenue has fallen, and as long as that situation continues, it is a threat to the weeklies.”

Mr Clegg said: “I am here to lend support to the Stockport Express, in what is a very tricky situation, and I want to do everything I can to help out.”

Mr Hunter said: “The Express is an award-winning paper and if the paper is produced in Manchester it will end up being a pale imitation of itself.

“When the circulation is still increasing it just seems ridiculous, and the town of Stockport will pay a high price for the loss of the Express editorial.”

Under the radical shake-up plans, 78 editorial posts are under threat and district offices would close. Stockport would remain open but editorial staff would still move to the Manchester head office.