An editor who stepped down after 17 years in charge of a regional daily this month has taken up a new role with a nearby journalism training college.

Former Northern Echo editor Peter Barron has taken up the ambassadorial position with Darlington College, which will see him support students on the NCTJ accredited diploma course.

Peter, himself an alumnus of the college, will be delivering masterclasses covering campaigning, ethics and digital analytics to support the college’s study programme.

While editor of the Echo, also based in Darlington, Peter played an instrumental role in setting up a partnership between the newspaper and the college, which sees students work at the title’s newsroom each Thursday.

Said Peter: “My career in journalism goes back to the NCTJ course at Darlington College and I am delighted to be able to put something back by working with the new generation of journalists.

“Darlington College has a long-established reputation for journalism training and it will be a privilege to be part of it.”

Alan Jones, curriculum manager for arts, media and publishing at the college added: “We are delighted that an editor and journalist of Peter Barron’s experience and standing is continuing his relationship with the college and inspiring journalists of the future.”

“The partnership with the Echo has proved itself to be a success and has huge benefits for students towards employability.”