Editor-in-chief of Northeast Press weekly newspapers Andrew Smith, has left the company.

He was appointed to the role after editing the Sunderland Echo and having a spell as editorial director of Northeast Press.

He was editor of the Northumberland Gazette as part of his duties as editor-in-chief of the weeklies, a role he took up around 18 months ago.

Johnston Press chief executive Tim Bowdler said: “It is with regret that we announce that Andrew Smith’s role as editor-in-chief of Northeast Press weeklies has been made redundant.

“We wish to stress that this decision in no way reflects upon Andrew’s performance or ability which has been entirely satisfactory.

“We are in discussion with Andrew regarding a severance agreement.”

Northeast Press’s 11 weekly titles include the Northumberland Gazette, Morpeth Herald, News Guardian and News Post Leader.

The Sunderland Echo and Shields Gazette are two of the company’s evening newspapers, the third being the Hartlepool Mail.