Terry Lambert, group editor of the Falmouth-based Packet series, is to retire at the end of the year - and is planning a new life in Spain.

The 56-year-old will pack up his desk for the last time on December 28 after a 25-year association with the newspaper.

He then plans to spend his retirement in the north Costa Blanca, joining his brother and friends, who already live out there, in the first half of next year.

He told holdthefrontpage: "I have always had a longing to retire to nicer climes and always intended to retire aged 60, but have decided to bring the date forward.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my career and am looking forward to a long and happy retirement."

Terry has held a variety of posts at Packet Newspapers during the past 25 years, including publisher and commercial director, and became group editor in March 2004.

He began his career on the Cornish and Devon Post in 1968, and later launched the weekly Cornwall Courier, seeing its circulation grow to more than 20,000 copies per week.

After the newspaper changed hands Paul Tyler, now Lord Tyler, became its managing director, with Terry working as editor, and it was later sold to the Daily Express group which also owned the Packet.

Terry was then appointed director and has continued his association with the Packet ever since.

In his current role he is also responsible for Smallholder magazine, South West Farmer, Boating Cornwall and a number of other niche publications.