The Thurrock Gazette is welcoming a new editor this week, with the appointment of Neil Speight.

Previously the launch editor of the East Riding Gazette, Neil joined the Essex-based newspaper on Monday and, after a brief hand-over period, will succeed Andy Lever.

Neil is an experienced editor, having also previously edited the Holderness Gazette, the Wakefield Express Series, the Scarborough Evening News and the Suffolk Free Press.

He said: "I've been lured by the challenge that is on offer in Thurrock and I am looking forward to re-joining a mainstream group.

"The Gazette is a successful paper and I aim to sustain that success and build on it in what is a competitive market."

Andy is making a move into PR as a press officer for Thurrock Council after five-and-a-half years as editor at the Gazette.

He began his journalism career at what was then the Southern Evening Echo, and spent 18 years at the Recorder Group in Essex.

He said: "It will be a different challenge but I enjoy writing stories and I will still be able to do that.

"I'm hoping that it will give me more of a chance to get out and meet people face-to-face rather than on the phone.

"I also believe that honesty is the best policy and am hoping to bring more openness to Thurrock Council."

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