An editor who rose through the company ranks over four decades is retiring.

Brian Asplin, editor of the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard, started with the Times as trainee in 1964.

In the next four decades he saw countless changes at the company as he worked his way up to become editor of the Wisbech Standard in 1993.

Five years later he took over the reins of both papers.

Next month Brian, (63), will hang up his pad and pen and embark on a leisurely retirement from journalism to enjoy his hobbies and time with his family.

He said: “In 43 years I have had a hell of a good time and met a lot of interesting people, both locally and nationally.

“My biggest feeling of satisfaction and achievement is helping a lot of young journalists on their way.

“Some of them have worked on the nationals and they may remember me, that’s for them to say.”

He said that his intention would now be to “pull up the drawbridge” on work.

“My hobby is aviation photography and I’m off to the Berlin Air Show in the spring,” he said.

“I think my wife has a long DIY list for me.

“It has been a very demanding existence and it will be nice to make decisions on the hoof and get up when I want.

“It was my decision to retire and I think I’ve earned some feet up time.

“It will be hard to read the paper but I will resist the temptation to ring in and complain.”