A weekly newspaper editor who has worked for regional publisher Johnston Press for 20 years has left to begin a new job in PR.

Nick Procter left his role yesterday as editor of the Bridlington Free Press and its three sister titles the Driffield Times & Post, the Pocklington Post and the Beverley Guardian.

He started out at Yorkshire Regional Newspapers, which is part of JP, as a trainee reporter with the Scarborough Evening News, working his way up to become editor of the Bridlington Free Press nine years ago.

Nick is due to begin a new role on Monday as communications manager at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Said Nick: “I’ve had a great 20 years with YRN, working in the different offices, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with some superb colleagues past and present, in all departments.

“I will certainly miss them but our paths will no doubt be crossing often when I take up my new job.

“I’m very excited about the communications manager role with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and embarking on a new career. The council has a good press office and is doing some great work in East Yorkshire and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.

“I wish my YRN colleagues all the best for the future, as well as everyone else in JP, and thank everyone for their kind words since my departure was announced.”

After starting at the Scarborough News as a trainee reporter, Nick worked his way up to become chief sub-editor there before becoming deputy editor of the Whitby Gazette in 2000.

He became Bridlington Free Press editor in 2004 and added the three sister titles to his editorship four years ago.

Johnston Press has not yet confirmed to HTFP whether Nick will be replaced as editor of the titles.