Regional editor Neil Speight has revealed plans to leave the newspaper industry later this year, to embark on a new career in public relations.

Currently editor of the Thurrock Gazette, Neil, (46), is an experienced journalist who has worked in the regional press for more than 20 years, including editorships at the Holderness Gazette, Wakefield Express Series, Scarborough Evening News and Suffolk Free Press.

But after just nine months in Essex, he has decided to return to his Yorkshire roots and take on a press position with East Riding Council.

Neil said: "This is the most difficult decision I've had to make in my career - and in the past I've made some good ones and some bad ones.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Essex, but at the end of the day I feel this is the right decision to make and allows me to move back to Yorkshire."

Prior to joining the Thurrock Gazette Neil was the launch editor of the East Riding Gazette, so will be on familiar territory at the council, where as editor and press manager he will be responsible for internal and external communications as well as editing various community newspapers.

But although he is looking forward to a fresh challenge, he admits he will be sorry to leave the Thurrock weekly.

Neil said: "Hopefully I have contributed in a small way to what is a very successful newspaper.

"I've been very happy here and have met some wonderful people both in and out of the industry."

Neil is expected to leave the Gazette in December, and Newsquest has now begun the search for his successor.

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