This week I heard the very sad news that Tony Whalley has died. Tony Whalley played a key role in the early development of the Manchester Online website.

He gave support and encouragement to my Eyewitness in Manchester site in the early days. I launched it in 1997 and in 1998 - thanks to Tony - it became part of Manchester Online. I continued to develop it as a freelance contributor until 2005.

On the right is a screenshot of what I believe is the very first edition of Eyewitness in Manchester to be published as part of Manchester Online.

Tony came from a traditional newspaper background, but had the vision to see the possibilities of electronic media and the internet.

He had a great sense of humour, and an energetic ‘can do’ attitude to all things. I had many enjoyable meetings with him at the former Manchester Online on Hardman Street over the years.

Thanks to his support I was able to develop Eyewitness in Manchester into a vast archive of photos and writing, now an important document of Manchester at a decisive phase in its development - from post-bomb to post Commonwealth Games.

I continue to present my photography and writing on this Eye On Manchester blog site and my related aidan.co.uk photo and articles portfolio site.

I hadn’t seen Tony Whalley for a long time and often wondered how he was doing. Some people prefer to keep a low profile, but make a big impact. Tony was one of these he will continue to be a driving force with me.