The editor of a Midlands regional daily has today announced he is leaving the role after two years in charge.

Alun Thorne, left, told staff at the Coventry Telegraph this afternoon he is stepping down as editor, almost two years to the day since he was appointed.

Before taking over in Coventry in October 2012, Alun had been editor of Trinity Mirror sister title the Birmingham Post for three years.

It is understood that Alun, 39, is taking up a new role based partly in the North West which has yet to be announced.    He told Trinity Mirror bosses of his intention to leave this summer and is currently working his notice period.

Said Alun:  “I have enjoyed five years as editor within Trinity Mirror Regionals which has given me phenomenal experience.

“I will be sad to say goodbye but I would like to think that I have left the Coventry Telegraph in better shape that when I took over, having significantly grown our digital audience over the last two years.

“However, I know I am leaving a brilliant and gifted team to take it to the next level.”

Alun will leave the business on 21 October and the search for his replacement has begun.

During his two years at the helm of the newspaper, Alun has overseen the continued growth of coventrytelegraph.net and a number of successful local campaigns.

He spearheaded the Telegraph’s successful #bringcityhome and #rricohreturn campaigns after Coventry City left the Ricoh Arena to play their home games in Northampton.

David Brookes, editor-in-chief, Trinity Mirror Midlands and editor of the Birmingham Mail, said: “I have had the pleasure of working closely with Alun for the past five years and would like to offer my wholehearted thanks for his commitment, passion and hard work during his time at the Telegraph and previously as Editor of the Birmingham Post.

“I would also like to thank him for the personal support he has given me, particularly during the digital transformation of our newsrooms to meet the changing demands of our growing audiences.”