The popular Wirral Champion magazine has folded after falling victim to the economic squeeze.

Editor and publisher John Birtwistle said today: “I can confirm that we have had to close down with immediate effect.

“It is obviously disappointing after 17 years and having become part of the Wirral establishment. It is sadly one of those economic facts of life.

“It is very sad to let down our host of loyal readers and advertisers.”

Four members of the magazine staff will lose their jobs.

The July – and last – edition of the champion was circulated to 44,500 across Wirral. Its front page featured the Olympic flame being carried around Birkenhead’s Hamilton Square by Chris Shaw, leader of Advocacy in Wirral, a voluntary organisation that supports people with mental health needs.

John was originally an architect.

He confessed to “drifting into journalism” in 1975 when his family launched the Mersey Mart newspaper in Liverpool.

He said: “I have been a publisher every since. I will be 70 in a couple of months time.

"I have been under pressure for some time to consider retirement and that is probably what I will do.”