Edward Riley, editor of the Halifax Evening Courier for the past 15 years, is to stand down.

The 61-year-old has said that after more than 40 years in local journalism he has decided to take life a little easier.

His retirement will also see him give up his role as editorial director of the Halifax Courier Ltd, in which he is responsible for the company’s weekly papers and freesheets and the website www.halifaxtoday.co.uk.

Edward, (pictured), first joined the Courier, his home town paper, in 1957 after leaving school.

Later he moved to the Bristol Evening World, and, after its closure, moved on to work for the Bristol Evening Post and Western Daily Press before returning to Halifax.

In 1973 he became editor of the Brighouse Echo, and in 1979 returned to the Courier once again to become deputy editor.

Eight years later he succeeded Dennis Taylor as editor and also became editorial director of the Halifax Courier Ltd the following year.

Edward said he was sad to be leaving the Courier but felt the time was right to take it easy, and he hoped that he might be able to continue working in newspapers in a reduced capacity in the future.

He said: “I have decided to relinquish my role as editor because after so long in the hot seat I feel the time has come for a change.

“I believe this will benefit me and the Courier, which I am leaving in good shape for the future.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to edit my home town newspaper and to work with and meet so many wonderful people.”

Edward will continue as editor for the immediate future until a successor is appointed.

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