Tributes have been paid to the man who started the Oldham Theatre Workshop, who has died.

David Johnson set up the theatre more than 50 year ago, with his drama classes helping to develop the careers of actors including Anna Friel, Suranne Jones and Anne Kirkbride.

Johnson was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) as part of the 2019 New Year's Honours.

READ MORE: Coronation Street, Line of Duty and Emmerdale stars' tributes to Oldham legend

Among those to pay tribute online was Oldham native Kelvin Fletcher.

On Twitter, he said Johnson was "singlehandedly the biggest influence on my career and arguably, the reason behind my career".

He added: "I know I speak for so many. Thank you David Johnson. What a legacy."

Antony Cotton, best known for playing Sean Tully on Coronation Street, was another to make a statement.

Cotton wrote on Twitter: "He formed my childhood so profoundly, and in turn - my adult life too.

"Those years were the best years of my life.

"Rest in Power David. You were the best."

An official statement has yet to be made.