Hampshire Chronicle editor Alan Cleaver is to leave the paper after eight years at the helm.

He and his partner, Lesley Park, who also works on the Winchester-based title, plan to move to the Lake District early next year.

Alan, (left), said: "It had always been our intention to eventually move back to Lesley's home town of Whitehaven and our personal circumstances are now right for that move."

Alan may stay in journalism, but would also like to write a book on folklore and customs of Britain as well as pursue his interests in photography and computers.

He said: "My departure from the Chronicle is earlier than I had originally planned but I've enjoyed every minute at the paper.

"The Chronicle is a unique paper and it's been a privilege to sit in the editor's chair for the last eight years.

"The paper has grown phenomenally under Newsquest's ownership and I wish both the paper and the staff continued success for the future."

Hampshire Chronicle Group publisher, Paul Kinvig, said: "I am very sorry to see Alan leave Winchester - he has been an excellent editor and ambassador of the The Chronicle in his time here and will be sorely missed by myself, the staff and the city alike.

"He leaves with the paper stronger than it has been at any time in its history - Alan is a true professional and valued friend and I sincerely wish him and Lesley every success in the future."

Alan will leave the paper next February, and Newsquest has now begun the search for a successor.