The editor of a North-West weekly paper is stepping down tomorrow after more than 11 years in the post and more than 27 in the industry.

Glen Cooper, editor of Morecambe paid-for The Visitor is to take up a role as a senior consultant with Lancaster-based Fat Media, overseeing their print projects.

The 49-year-old, who has lived in Morecambe all his life, entered journalism in 1978 as a trainee reporter at the Lancaster Guardian where he became news editor in 1986.

After a spell as a press officer at Lancashire County Council he returned to the Lancaster paper until moving to The Visitor as news editor in 1992. He succeeded Mike Whalley as editor in August 1998.

Speaking about the move, father-of-four Glen said: “I have been immensely proud to edit The Visitor. It has been the dream job for me.

“I was privileged to have worked under the great Mike Whalley from whom I learned an enormous amount, not only about being an editor but also about how to conduct myself as an ambassador for the paper and for the town.

“I’ve done my best over the years to meet Mike’s standards and keep this great local paper representing Morecambe and the wider district, challenging those who determine its future and informing and entertaining my fellow Morecambrians.

“Our industry is changing and now I feel it’s time for someone else to carry on that work while I pursue another challenge with an exciting, young, locally-owned company.”

During his time as editor, Glen has overseen coverage of the tragedy that befell Chinese cocklers in Morecambe Bay, and the Queen’s unveiling of the Eric Morecambe statue, which came to fruition after an appeal launched in the paper.

He also spearheaded The Visitor’s Home for the Hover appeal which helped raise funds for the new hovercraft base on the resort’s promenade.

He said: “Stories like these and many more present challenges for journalists which we have met with honesty and professionalism.

“Of them all, though, the front page I was most satisfied to have been able to include in my files was the one that cried ‘We did it!’ following Morecambe FC’s amazing success in achieving Football League status following a Wembley play-off final.”