The editor of the Worcester Evening News, Stewart Gilbert, has retired after six years in the job.
Gilbert, 60, also edited Berrow’s Worcester Journal, thought to be the oldest continuously-produced English-language newspaper.
He thanked all the readers for their “support and generosity” over the years, and said he planned to spend “a long time doing nothing” before deciding what to do with his retirement.
Gilbert originally worked on weekly papers in Worcestershire before moving to the Newport-based South Wales Argus as sub-editor in 1989. Later, he became edition manager, chief sub-editor, assistant editor and deputy editor.
In 1993, he was appointed editor of the Hereford Times, before taking over as editor of the Worcester News in 2001. His retirement brings a long career in journalism, including nearly 28 years editing local newspapers, to a close.
Gilbert said: “In the marketplace of today, producing a newspaper that is recognised as one of the best small regionals in the country in both editorial quality and circulation terms gives me great pleasure.
“It’s not just down to the editor, but one of the best editorial teams in the country, supported by one of the best management teams, who have single-mindedly driven the whole business to give the readers great value.”
Newsquest’s East Wales Weeklies publisher, Kevin Ward, is due to take over on 21 May.
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