Award-winning editor Don Hale is to embark on a myriad of new projects when he leaves the Matlock Mercury after 16 years as editor, at the end of this month.

His departure follows an uneasy few months during which he has had talks with bosses at Johnston Press on topics such as centralised subbing, and the company's support during his long-running campaign to prove the innocence of Stephen Downing, jailed for a murder he says he did not commit.

Don will leave the paper on August 31 after working out an agreed payment during a meeting with Johnston deputy chief executive Danny Cammiade on Monday.

He told Holdthefrontpage that he would now concentrate on other media ventures, including working on the script of a TV drama for Hat-Trick and the BBC.

He is also planning a series of special features for the Sunday Mercury in Birmingham, has signed a 12-month contract with the BBC to work on three projects, and is in talks with various national newspapers about writing a column.

Don Hale: New ventures beckon