The editor of the Darlington and Stockton Times is leaving after 23 years in the job.
Malcolm Warne, who has worked for Newsquest in Darlington for 35 years, is to leave at the end of May.
His position will not be replaced, with Northern Echo editor Peter Barron assuming responsibility for all editorial operations in the area as "Group Editor (Newsquest North-East)".
Chris Lloyd, who is to move from being deputy editor of the Northern Echo to "Deputy Group Editor (Newsquest North East)", will "oversee the day to day operations" of the Darlington and Stockton Times.
Warne has also edited the Durham Times and the Advertiser series of free newspapers in the area, and was previously the news editor of the Northern Echo.
David Coates, managing director of Newsquest North-East, is quoted as saying: "Malcolm has done a superb job in steering the Darlington & Stockton Times through a period of significant change, maintaining the paper’s values and building on its reputation for editorial quality and trust. We wish Malcolm the very best for the future."
Barron said: "It has been a privilege to have worked with Malcolm over three decades of momentous change in our industry. Throughout, he has been a source of great support, not only as a colleague but as a trusted friend. I will miss his wisdom, vast experience and great integrity."
In 2014, the £1 Darlington and Stockton Times had an average weekly circulation of 18,743, according to ABC, down from 20,072 in 2013.
The daily Northern Echo recorded an average circulation of 28,810 in the second half of last year.
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