Keith Perch is to take over as the new acting editor of the Leicester Mercury in a surprise announcement by Northcliffe Media today.

The move marks a return to newspapers for Keith who was editor of the South Wales Echo from 1993-97 and the Derby Evening Telegraph from 1997-2001.

For the past eight years he has been a key figure in Northcliffe’s digital operation, first as editor and MD of Northcliffe Electronic Publishing and latterly as the company’s digital development director.

He takes over at Leicester from Nick Carter who announced he was leaving three weeks ago to head up a new economic development body in the county.

Northcliffe managing director Michael Pelosi said today: “I am pleased to announce that Keith Perch will become the acting editor of the Leicester Mercury Media Group with effect from Monday 9 February 2009.

“Keith was the editor of two significant daily newspapers before he focused his career, several years ago, on digital for A&N Media.

“We welcome his return to newspaper editing and I know you will join with me in wishing him every success.”

Keith first joined Northcliffe as a trainee reporter at the Grimsby Evening Telegraph in 1978 and has also worked at the Hull Daily Mail and Birmingham Evening Mail.