An editor who has been at the helm of a regional magazine for 23 years has taken early retirement.

Fanny Charles, left, has led the Blackmore Vale Magazine in Dorset since 1990, after becoming its first reporter the previous year.

She started out in journalism in 1969 with the Bournemouth Echo and since then has worked at titles across the area, apart from a spell living in the Persian Gulf.

Deputy editor of the magazine, Fiona Dart, has now become acting editor of the title, which is owned by Local World.

Fanny said: “I would like to thank my wonderful editorial staff, and the readers and advertisers who supported me and helped this small team make the Blackmore Vale Magazine and its sister papers the best read and best loved local papers in the area.”

Before joining the magazine, she also worked for the Poole Herald, Bournemouth Times, Christchurch Times, before moving to work at the Western Gazette as one of two reporters covering the New Forest in 1978.

Regional managing director Sarah Pullen said: “Over the last 20 years, Fanny Charles has made an enormous contribution to the success of the Blackmore Vale Magazine. We wish her well in her retirement.”

The magazine is known for having its classified advertising running right through the title.