A former advertisement manager of more than 20 years at the Oxford Mail has died aged 88.

Jim Woods worked at the paper from 1952 to 1973, with the exception of one year he spent at the Brighton Argus in 1968.

He had been born in Bournemouth in 1927 and grew up in New Milton and Bridport.

In 1952 he moved to Oxford and after leaving his job at the Mail moved to Bradford, where he took a job as the Telegraph & Argus’ advertisement manager.

He held the post until his retirement in 1988, afterwards pursuing his hobbies of family history and travelling.

Telegraph & Argus editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: “Jim lived and breathed newspapers.

“Even after he retired, he would often get in touch to tip me off about stories he’d come across or just to offer some thoughts on the Telegraph & Argus and comments he’d picked up from friends and neighbours.

“He was an old school gentleman, good company and great fun.

“He will be sadly missed.”

Mr Woods was twice married – to Beryl, then Joan – and leaves two sons, Mark, 58, and Steve, 54; three grandchildren James, Sarah and Thomas; and great grandson Timothy.

He passed away at his home in Baildon, West Yorkshire, on June 16.

A funeral will be held at Nab Wood crematorium, in Shipley, tomorrow at 3.20pm.