David Evans, publisher of Newsquest (West Wales), is to take early retirement in February 2005.

A journalist for more than 40 years, David has worked on every type of newspaper from daily to weekly and has held positions from cub reporter to editor.

David, (right), trained with Westminster Press in London and eventually moved to the Western Telegraph in Haverfordwest in 1977.

Since that time, he has 'survived' five different owners and the Telegraph has become the best-selling weekly newspaper in Wales.

David has received individual awards as a campaigning editor and also Welsh Feature Writer of the Year together with awards for community relations achievements.

Eileen Opie, regional managing director, said: "It has always been an ambition of David's to 'see-out' the 150th anniversary year of his beloved Western Telegraph and he will retire in February, fulfilling this ambition with the Telegraph completing 151 years of publishing.

"I would like to take this opportunity of thanking David for his contribution to the success of West Wales and therefore the Wales & Gloucestershire region and I wish him and his wife Carole a long and happy retirement."

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk