The Press Association has acquired the remaining 50 per cent shareholding in The Editorial Centre, the journalism training, design and consultancy business.

PA has been a shareholder in The Editorial Centre since 2004 when it acquired an initial 50 per cent shareholding from former regional newspaper editor, Peter Sands, who founded the business in 1995 after buying the former Westminster Press Training Centre in Hastings.

The Editorial Centre was re-branded Press Association Training in January 2006 after it acquired the former Trinity Mirror Editorial Training Centre.

Following this acquisition of the remaining shares, the Editorial Centre’s former directors Peter and Pam Sands, will continue to work closely with Press Association Training.

Peter said: “The relationship with the Press Association has taken us on to a completely different level as a training company.

“We have been able to call on PA’s considerable resources – not least the many great journalists who have become excellent trainers.”

Tony Johnston, head of Press Association Training said: “We are delighted that Peter is choosing to continue to work with us on developing our business further. He is a great trainer, a fantastic designer and one of our biggest assets. Our aim is to continue to provide our clients with the very best service to help them meet their training needs.”