Sports writer Julian Turner's next move will be a bigger leap than most - as he plans a new life in Thailand.

The Lincolnshire Echo deputy sports editor (pictured) has accepted a job on the Bangkok Post.

And he's hoping to join the sports desk of the English-speaking newspaper in November.

He said: "It's all happened extremely quickly.

"I've been to Thailand a few times and have always thought I'd like to live there, but there is no way I would have just left on a wing and a prayer and as there is only one English-speaking newspaper in Thailand I thought my chances were pretty limited.

"It's all come together purely by chance and is too good an opportunity to pass up."

While on holiday in Thailand just two weeks ago Julian, (31), spotted a job advert for a sub-editor at the Bangkok Post and decided to apply.

Worried that his application might not arrive through the post before he was due to return home, he found an e-mail address for the sports editor and asked him to pass the application on.

Julian said: "I got an e-mail back from him which said there was a position coming up on the sports desk and asked if I could go in and see him.

"He offered me the job and now I'm trying to sort things out and sell everything I own so I can go out there."

Before joining the Echo, Julian spent time in the Merchant Navy and has travelled extensively across Europe and South East Asia.

He joined the Echo three-and-a-half years ago, and has also worked for the Grimsby Telegraph and Boxing News.

Julian said: "It will be a big change moving to another country and another culture, but my job will be pretty similar - except in a sunnier climate.

"The paper covers English football, American sport, and Thai sport such as golf and tennis. There will be new things to learn but I think my grounding in football would stand me in good stead - they are crazy about the Premiership and give it blanket coverage.

"The biggest challenge will be starting afresh and making a new life."

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