Manchester Evening News editor Paul Horrocks, Hull Daily Mail editor John Meehan and Charles McGhee, editor of the Evening Times in Glasgow, will be among the speakers at this year’s Society of Editors’ annual conference.

Based around the theme Whatever Next?, the event will see editors debate current media issues against the beautiful background of the English Lake District.

The conference will start with the Society of Editors Lecture delivered by Les Hinton, executive chairman of News International and chairman of the Editors’ Code Committee.

Other big names already confirmed to attend include Alan Rusbridger of The Guardian, Simon Kelner from The Independent, and Sir Christopher Meyer, chairman of the Press Complaints Commission.

Discussions will include what can be done to shore up readership, the use of the Internet, the Freedom of Information Act and whether or not it is the media that undermines politics.

A gala dinner will also be held on the last night of the conference and various excursions are being organised in case delegates want to bring their families and make a weekend of the event.

SoE president Keith Sutton, editorial director at the CN Group, said: “Plans are coming together for another splendid event to match the huge successes we achieved in recent years.

“The annual conference is the major event in the society’s year. It is a key to maintaining our profile and contributes to our finances. Support your society – book early!”

Based at the Low Wood Hotel on the shores of Lake Windermere, the conference will open on the evening of Sunday, October 16 and close mid-morning on Tuesday, October 18. Excursions will be held from Saturday to Tuesday.

The conference is open to both society members and non-members.

For more information and to book, visit the society’s new website, developed by Northcliffe Electronic Publishing and Magstar Ltd.