Echo editor to leave for Plymouth role

The editor of the Express & Echo is leaving to run the newspaper's sister title in Plymouth.

Paul Burton was appointed to the Exeter post in June this year.

He replaces Ian Wood, the former editor of Plymouth's The Herald, who left last week after 20 months in the job.

Paul will take up the new position on Monday December 9.

While in Exeter, Paul has overseen the launch the Express & Echo's new website, a new edition of the paper and a new leisure supplement. Prior to the Express & Echo Paul spent five years at the Western Daily Press, based in Bristol.

Paul told the Herald website: "I'm looking forward to the challenge in Plymouth, The Herald is a newspaper with a big reputation and an extremely talented team who I know are committed to making The Herald and plymouthherald.co.uk the best it can be."

In a statement Blanche Sainsbury, managing director of South West Media Group, which owns both The Herald and Express & Echo, said: "I am delighted that Paul will be joining The Herald team. He is a talented editor and a community champion."

The Echo will be overseen by the editor of the Torquay Herald Express until a replacement for Paul is found.