Jeff Jephcott has retired as editor of the Stourbridge News, Halesowen News and Dudley News.

He had spent 43 years working in newspapers, but decided to call it a day following his 60th birthday last autumn.

Jeff had looked after the three papers produced at St John’s House in Stourbridge for 13 years and set many aspiring young hacks on the road to careers in journalism.

He also helped highlight the plights of many local charities and causes over the years, including Mary Stevens Hospice, Dudley Hope, and the campaign to keep Brierley Hill baths open.

But after 43 years – 38 of those working for News Group owners Newsquest and its predecessors on titles such as the Redditch Advertiser – Jeff now hopes to spend more time watching his beloved West Bromwich Albion.

He also plans to spend time travelling, walking, tending his garden and new allotment and entertaining his grandkids.

He said: “It’s been a difficult decision, but I think it’s the right time to go.

“There are many mountains to climb out there and I’ve got myself an allotment patch which should keep me busy for a while.”

However he will not be ditching his beloved newspapers altogether, and hopes to return to manage the occasional project for the company in the future.