The editor of the Dorset Echo is leaving the paper after ten years at the helm.

David Murdock joined the Newsquest morning title from being deputy editor at the Express and Echo, in Exeter.

David, (58), plans to do media consultancy work and public relations but admits to having no firm plans for the next step in his career.

Recalling his career, he said: “My fondest memories will be taking a paper that was very old fashioned and working with the staff to turn it into something that has become very different.

“It has been transformed. Like most other companies we’re producing things we weren’t originally.

“We have the website and special supplements. We’re doing an awful lot more than ten years ago.

“It has become one of the best performing daily papers in newspaper sales terms in the Newsquest group.”

David started his career in the late 1960s with what was the Southend Evening Echo.

He worked at the Express and Echo in three separate periods as a sub-editor, features editor and deputy editor before moving to the Dorset Echo.

During his time with the south-coast title, David oversaw the redesign and launch of a new, bigger masthead – the first in nearly 30 years.

According to the latest ABC figures, the Dorset Echo has a circulation (Mon – Sat) of 18,803.

Dorset Echo managing director Paul Kinvig said: “It has been great working with David and, both personally and professionally, I’m genuinely sad to see him go.

“I’ve been here for three years and in that time he has revolutionised the paper, working with the ad team to bring in new sections and supplements.

“He has been a rock throughout his ten years, very much the quiet but firm leader in terms of the editorial department.

“He does not rant and rave, just a rock solid guy who can treat challenges and successes with equality.”