The long-serving editor of a weekly newspaper series is to take early retirement after 27 years with the company.

Nicola Priest, left, has decided to bow out after ten years as group editor of the Newsquest-owned Warrington Guardian series which she originally joined as a trainee in 1987.

The 54-year-old, who also previously served as deputy editor for nine years, is currently responsible for all 11 titles in the series which also include the Wirral Globe and St Helen’s Star.

Gareth Dunning, 34, has now been appointed acting editor for the Warrington Guardian and Warrington Midweek, with the permanent role of editor currently being advertised on HoldftheFrontPage.

Qualifying as a senior in 1989 after two years on the Guardian, Nicola was appointed chief reporter of the Newton and Golborne News.

After another two years there she moved to the Winsford and Middlewich Guardian before rejoining the Warrington team as assistant editor.

Among the highlights of her editorship were Warrington Guardian readers raising more than £50,000 to pay for life-changing surgery for baby Bobby Brown to help him see and seeing the crowds welcome home a victorious Warrington Wolves after winning the Challenge Cup in 2009.

Other memorable moments in Nicola’s career include working on the editions which won three British Press Awards following the IRA bombing of Warrington in 1993 and seeing Shafilea Ahmed’s parents jailed for her murder after denying it for nine years.

Said Nicola: “It’s been a great privilege to have had the opportunity to edit such a great title as the Warrington Guardian and in the town where I live.

“I have met some brilliant people over my years in the job and Warrington is very important to me. I will take away lots of great memories.”

Regional managing director Chris Hughes added: “Nicola has always embraced the challenges she has faced with a determination to succeed.

“During Nicola’s tenure as group editor, our digital products have grown exponentially, to the point now where we reach as many readers digitally as we do in print.

“Outside of the company, she has been a first class ambassador for our brands and in particular the Warrington Guardian, building a wide network of influential contacts in the Warrington area and beyond.

“On a personal note, I would like to thank Nicola for her hard work and loyalty over the many years we have worked together and wish her every success in whatever she decides to do after she finishes with the company.”