Simon O'Neill is to become the new editor of the Oxford Mail following the retirement of Jim McClure.

Currently editor of Swindon's Evening Advertiser, as well as group editor for Newsquest Wiltshire, he will take up his new post on Monday, February 2.

In addition to becoming editor of the Oxford Mail and editor of the free Oxford Star, Simon will also assume the new position of group editor of Newsquest Oxfordshire. As such he will have overall responsibility for the editorial operation in Oxford.

Simon (left), a former deputy editor of the Derby Evening Telegraph, was appointed editor of the Swindon Evening Advertiser in May 1997.

Until he takes up his new post Andy Chatfield, who became acting editor when Jim McClure retired in December, will continue as acting editor at Oxford.

Announcing the appointment to staff, Shamus Donald, managing director of Newsquest Oxfordshire, said: "I am sure you would like to join me in welcoming Simon to Oxford."

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