Award-winning journalist Jim McTaggart has come out of retirement to join The Northern Echo part-time.

The former Teesdale Mercury editor (pictured) has returned to Barnard Castle to write a weekly column reflecting the lives and views of people in the town and the surrounding communities.

As well as his Teesdale Talk, which will be published every Friday, Jim will also contribute news stories and occasional commentaries drawn from his vast knowledge and experience of the area.

He said: "After being out of newspapers for a couple of years I'm looking forward to getting back to the business, albeit on a part-time basis."

Jim worked in Barnard Castle for 22 years before joining a select band of the region's most respected journalists when he was presented with a lifetime of achievement award at the North East Press Awards last May.

He previously worked at the Northern Echo as a reporter when he first came to the North East, before joining the Evening Gazette in Middlesbrough. He also freelanced for national newspapers before joining the Teesdale Mercury.

Northern Echo editor Peter Barron, said: "Jim is highly respected in Teesdale and we are delighted that someone with his local knowledge and experience in Teesdale is joining us."

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