Oxford Mail's crime-writing ex-editor dies

The former editor of the Oxford Mail, Jim McClure has died aged 66. McClure, who was forced into early retirement in 2003 due to illness, joined the Oxford Mail as a sub-editor in 1966 and edited every title in the group. In a break from newspapers in the mid-70s he became a successful crime writer, writing 14 novels. His work was acknowledged by other writers, including Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter and Dick Francis, who both named characters after him in their books. (Via holdthefrontpage.co.uk)