THE Bolton News has said farewell to its most senior figure — Eric Henshaw, who has retired as Managing Director.

Mr Henshaw, who has been in newspapers for 31 years, took over as head of The Bolton News and Bury Times group, which is owned by Newsquest, in 2001 and over the past seven years has become a well known figure within the business community in the town.

He was born in Salford, the son of a docker and a bus conductor. After education at Sale Grammar School, he joined the Army apprenticeship scheme at 16. When he left the Army, he became a trainee manager for Woolworths. He then went on to try a variety of jobs.

He said: “I was a salesman for Campbells soup, a soft drinks salesman, a fireman and I also worked at Mellings bakery in Farnworth when it was Sunblest.”

In 1977, he joined the Knutsford Guardian as an advertising rep and worked his way up to become MD in 1989.

After a spell in London working for Newsquest internet operations, he returned north to become MD at the then Bolton Evening News in 2001.

Mr Henshaw, who turns 60 in January, said: “I have had a fantastic journey through Newsquest and I have a lot to thank them for in all the different jobs I have had.

“I have met some wonderful people in Bolton, both staff and customers, and I want to thank them all for eight wonderful years.

“Bolton is a town that is going forward and I am proud to be associated with it.”

Mr Henshaw, who has two grown up children and who lives in Bolton, said he would still be networking within the business community and would be looking to start a new career in the New Year.

Until then he is concentrating on getting fit — he is studying for his 2nd Dan black belt in karate — and playing the Flamenco guitar.

Jan Lever, Newsquest MD for Lancashire and Kendal, has taken over Mr Henshaw’s role.