The former editor of England’s biggest-selling regional daily newspaper has revealed his top tips for becoming a “solid reporter”, including skipping the press office and telling stories “like the Bible”.

Keith Harrison stood down as editor of the West Midlands Express and Star in November, having spent five years in charge of the title and 25 at publisher the Midlands News Association.

In giving his top reporting tips, the newsman said ideas are a journalist’s “stock in trade” and that “bad ideas” were a good starting point – “I have about ten bad ideas a day”.