Former Tiser reporter Ian Rufus dies aged 67

A FORMER Advertiser reporter, who went on to enjoy a successful career in radio, has died at the age of 67.

Ian Rufus was a reporter at the Advertiser in the 1960s and also worked as news editor at Radio Hallam following its launch in 1974.

Five years later he became managing director of Mercia Sound in Coventry, then BRMB in Birmingham and GWR radio group, which ran more than 30 stations.

Mr Rufus later became a magistrate in Warwickshire and was a keen hill walker who climbed the Himalayas with his son Simon.

Former Advertiser and Radio Hallam colleague Roger Brooks said: "Ian was a popular man and a successful media manager.

"He always attributed his success to the thorough journalistic grounding he received when he was with the Rotherham Advertiser, and he often spoke very fondly of his time there."

Mr Rufus leaves his wife, Kate, and three children.