The closure of the Oldham Evening Chronicle yesterday as its owners went into administration came as a “bolt from the blue” to staff, according to the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The 163-year-old title’s sudden closure yesterday has resulted in the majority of its 49 staff being made redundant. A buyer is currently being sought by administrators KPMG.

Chris Morley, NUJ Northern and Midlands organiser, said: “This dreadful news came as a bolt from the blue to our members and they were given no inkling about what they would be told when summoned to a meeting.