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County weekly gets third editor in as many years

A weekly newspaper whose editor quit six weeks ago saying he was no longer enjoying the job has a new man in charge.

Matt Cornish stepped down as editor of the Craven Herald and Pioneer in February, saying he did not feel able to give it the “total commitment and passion” that it needed.

His successor has now been named as Andrew Hitchon, previously a senior sub-editor on sister title The Press, York who began his career at the Herald 30 years ago.

Andrew, pictured, becomes the title’s third editor in many years following on from Matt and Adrian Braddy, now editor of monthly magazine The Dalesman.

The 51-year-old was born and bred in Skipton and comes from a Dales farming family.

After studying at Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton, and Merton College, Oxford, he began his journalistic career on the Herald in 1984.

He left four years later to set up a Skipton office for the Yorkshire Post, before moving to the paper’s Bradford office.

He took a break from journalism from 1995 to 1998 to help run his family farm in Littondale, returning as a reporter on the Gazette & Herald in Malton.

Andrew moved to The Press, in York, shortly afterwards and worked as reporter, health reporter, assistant news editor and then deputy news editor before becoming a senior sub-editor on the paper.

Said Andrew: “It’s wonderful to be returning to such a great part of the world and one which is so close to my heart.

“I’m looking forward to getting out and about and meeting people in our many communities, to hear about the issues which are really affecting them.

“The Craven Herald is a fabulous newspaper with a long and proud history and a great team. It’s a real privilege to be chosen as its new custodian and I will do my best to honour that tradition.”

Perry Austin-Clarke, group editor at publisher Newsquest Bradford added: “As a real local lad, Andrew has a unique insight into what makes Skipton, the Craven district and the Dales so special and I’m sure he will do a fine job of reflecting that in this special newspaper.”

5 comments

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  • April 23, 2014 at 10:59 am
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    Actually, it’s five in six years. After Ian Lockwood quit after 15 years in the post there’s been Pete Sanderson, Adrian Braddy, Matt Cornish and now Mr Hitchen. Good luck on the Marie Celeste.

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  • April 27, 2014 at 3:44 pm
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    I am sure Andrew Hitchon will do a great job for the paper and for Skipton.
    I must say I am impressed with his educational background Ermystead’s and Merton College, Oxford. With that CV I am surprised he is not Editor of the Daily Telegraph or the Tatler.
    Also he has a marvelous florid and interesting complexion which makes him perfect for the role. The best of luck to him and I am sure he will do North Yorkshire proud.

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