The editor of Morecambe’s The Visitor is to leave the weekly paid-for paper tomorrow after more than 11 years in the role.
Glen Cooper, who has spent more than 27 years in the newspaper industry, is leaving to take up a senior consultant position with new media company Fat Media.
Cooper, who was born in Morecambe and has lived there all his life, started in journalism in 1978 as a trainee reporter at the Lancaster Guardian. He eventually became the paper’s news editor in 1986.
After a spell as senior press officer for Lancashire County Council he returned to the newspaper industry, eventually joining The Visitor as news editor in 1992 then being appointed editor in August 1998.
Cooper said: “I have been immensely proud to edit The Visitor. It has been the dream job for me.
“I am a journalist and have always lived in – and never wanted to leave – our beautiful town which I will continue to champion and promote in any way I can in future…
“Our industry is changing and now I feel it’s time for someone else to carry on that work while I pursue another challenge with an exciting, young, locally-owned company.
“I leave The Visitor in the very capable hands of its superb staff who, I am sure, will keep the paper going strong for many years to come.”
During his time as editor, Cooper oversaw coverage of the tragedy that befell Chinese cocklers in Morecambe Bay in addition to covering the Queen unveiling a statue of comedian Eric Morecambe, which came to fruition after an appeal launched in the paper.
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