Former Johnston Press group editor takes over Archant’s Comet series

A former Johnston Press group editor has taken over the Archant Herts & Cambs Comet series and Royston Crow weekly newspapers.

John Francis (pictured) took over from Darren Isted, who stood down after 25 years at the title to work in PR, today.

Francis, who has lived in North Hertfordshire for 30 years, was group editor of JP titles in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire and editor of the publisher’s titles in Hemel Hempstead.

Archant Herts & Cambs publishing director Jonathan Cropley said: “We’re extremely pleased to have attracted someone of John’s undoubted calibre and experience to this important editor role for Archant in Hertfordshire.

"I’m confident he will help us to continue improving our already award-winning print and digital offerings for customers across North Hertfordshire.”

Francis said: “I'm delighted to have been given the chance to edit my local papers and I'm looking forward to joining an award-winning team.

"I can't wait to get started, and I plan to put all my experience, skills and local knowledge to work to help make a very popular and respected series even more of a 'must read' every week.

"My only concern is that I'll have to smarten up a bit when I go down to the market on a Saturday morning.

"My wife's a local teacher and she's used to being greeted in the street and getting involved in lengthy chats about children or education. I look forward to her having to wait around for me for a change, as readers let me know what they think or pass on tips."