A former regional daily editor who moved aside in a company reshuffle is returning to the frontline as the boss of a group of titles recently rescued from closure.

Tim Dixon, left, edited the Western Daily Press from 2010 until 2014 when he made way for Ian Mean, instead taking on the role of commercial editor for the then Local World-owned title.

Now Tim has been recruited by ambitious West Country publisher Peter Masters to head up his editorial operation following his recent purchase of the Liskeard-based Sunday Independent and the ‘View From’ series in Dorset.

As reported on HTFP yesterday, the View From titles were rescued from administration by corporate recovery specialists Quantuma, which has now sold them to Mr Masters.

Philip Evans, the founder and former boss of the View From group, takes on the role of operations director for the new group, which will operate out of Liskeard in Cornwall and Lyme Regis in Dorset.

Truro FC chairman Mr Masters said: “I’m looking forward to working with such an experienced management team. It’s a really exciting time for this ambitious new business and the great titles we have in our publishing family.”

Tim, 56, is a previous editor of the Western Gazette in Yeovil as well as the WDP, and also had a spell as deputy editor of Exeter’s Express & Echo.

During his career in the regional press he also worked for the Western Morning News, Nottingham Evening Post, Derby Evening Telegraph and South London Press.

Said Tim: “It will be great to help the Sunday Independent team develop this famous West Country title.

“People still have a healthy regard for good newspapers so there is a great future for print media as long as publications offer unique, compelling and trusted content. The Independent and the View From titles do exactly that.”

Philip, 68, has been working in newspapers for 52 years, having started his career on the Express & Echo at the age of 16.

He  added: “Bringing the View From series and Sunday Independent together will create a powerful new publishing force in the West Country that must be good for readers and advertisers alike. I’m excited to be working for the Independent, a paper I’ve read – and written for – throughout my career.”

Both the Sunday Independent and the View From titles were part of Tindle Newspapers until being sold off to their respective managements.

Mr Evans bought back the View From group which he had founded a decade earlier, while the Sunday Independent was bought by former Tindle executive Brian Doel.

Following Mr Doel’s death last August the 200-year-old newspaper fell on hard times and briefly ceased publication in April last year.

However it was soon back in print after being rescued by Mr Masters with seventeen jobs saved as a result.

Following Mr Masters’ takeover Colin Bradbury was named as managing director of the Independent while John Collings continued as editor.

Neither Colin’s nor John’s roles are affected by the new management changes.