Leicester Mercury acting editor Keith Perch has been confirmed in the role permanently, it was announced today.

Michael Pelosi, managing director of the Mercury’s parent company Northcliffe Media, made the announcement to staff this morning.

He said: “I am delighted to inform you that Keith has agreed to remain in this position on a permanent basis.

“Thus, with immediate effect, Keith is appointed editor of the Leicester Mercury.

“We wish Keith every success in his new role and in taking forward the Mercury during this challenging time for local newspapers.”

Keith took over the role in February following the departure of Nick Carter who had been with the title as editor for 16 years, after joining the paper in 1987.

He had previously been editor of Cardiff’s South Wales Echo during the mid-90s and then the Derby Telegraph for four years before moving into digital operations with Northcliffe Electronic Publishing.

Keith thanked staff for their support since taking on the post, adding: “When I arrived in Leicester in February, I did not see it is as anything other than a short-term assignment.

“But the quality and experience of the staff at the Mercury soon made me think that I would love to stay and I’m delighted to be given the opportunity.”