A daily editor who originally joined his paper as a cub reporter in 1970 has bade farewell after a 44-year career at the title.

Chris Bright stepped down as editor of the Jersey Evening Post after more than 20 years in the hot seat.

Colleagues at the paper gathered for a retirement presentation at the paper’s Five Oaks headquarters to pay tribute to Chris who was described by his bosses as an “incredible editor.”

Joining the Evening Post straight from school, Chris worked as a reporter, sub-editor and columnist on the paper before becoming editor in 1994.

Chairman of parent company Guiton Publishing John Averty said: “Chris has been an incredible editor. Throughout all his time he has been an absolute gentleman and stalwart.”

Chris announced last October he would be stepping down in favour of deputy news editor Andy Sibcy.  The duo are pictured above.

Said Andy: “Chris has been editor for more than 20 years – a rare feat in the newspaper industry, but it is not hard to see why he has enjoyed such longevity.

“Despite his huge intellect and knowledge of just about everything, Chris is genuinely modest and self-effacing, a very fair man of honour, principle and integrity who always strives to do the right thing.”

Chris said: “To be an editor is a huge privilege, especially in your own home town, but actually journalism in general is a pretty privileged job.

“It allows you to meet people, witness events, see things and ask questions.

“It also allows you to feel a sense of purpose in helping to keep your fellow citizens as well informed as you can about what is going on in their community, thus playing a small daily part in the processes of democracy, justice and fair play.

“This is no small thing, so one of my parting thoughts is: don’t let anyone tell you that what we do is trivial or unimportant.”

New editor Andy began his career at the Express & Star, Wolverhampton, which is owned by the same parent company as the JEP.

A graduate in both history and law, Andy joined the JEP when he moved to Jersey in 2001.