Ian Beales is to leave the Western Daily Press after more than 20 years as editor.

He broke the news to staff at a gathering to mark his newspaper winning the BT South West Newspaper of The Year award for the fourth time.

He said: “The parting, whilst naturally sad for me, is very amicable. However, I have been with the Western Daily Press for 34 years. I have been editor for 20 years and I have relished every minute.

“I have had a great team to work with.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together over the years, but I am nearly 57 and don’t want to outstay my welcome. There are things I wish to do while I still have my own teeth.

“It is an important time in the evolution of the newspaper and if there is to be a fresh pair of eyes there are powerful arguments for them to be focussed before any changes are introduced rather than after.

“So I have decided to step down now, leaving an award-winning team.”Alec Davidson, managing director of Northcliffe Newspapers, which publishes Daily Press, said: “Whilst I fully understand the reasons behind the decision of Mr Beales to resign from his post as editor, it sadly marks the end of a remarkable career with the paper.

“Mr Beales has shown outstanding energy and commitment and has been the driving force behind the prestigious and influential position the Western Daily Press now holds within the West Country community.

“We wish him every success in the future.”

The announcement of a new editor is expected to be made shortly.

Mr Beales will leave at the end of the month and during the intervening period deputy editor Chris Binding will take on the position of acting editor.

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