The editor of a free weekly series in the North West has been made redundant.

Martin Hovden, of Champion Newspapers’ Sefton titles, is leaving the company under a restructure which will also see four other staff from production and IT positions leave.

Editor of Champion’s West Lancs titles Malcolm Hindle will take on overall charge of the company’s five newspapers.

Martin will not cut ties with the company completely as he will be retained in a freelance capacity and continue a radio slot on Dune FM, reports the Southport Visiter.

The 57-year-old joined Champion in 1995 and has 35 years of newspaper experience.

He said: “I feel very sad that I am no longer a full-time member of the Champion team, but the country is currently going through one of the worst economic recessions in living memory and decisions like this are inevitable.

“I have extremely fond memories of my time as editor and I am determined to stay positive and help in any way I can in the future on a freelance basis.

“I also intend to remain involved in various community projects and will continue to support local bands on The Champion’s website.”

Champion MD Betty Drummond added: “In restructuring our editorial department we have released Martin Hovden from his full-time role as editor of our Sefton titles.

“He will continue to help us in many ways, no doubt in his own inimitable style and as the much admired and respected member of our family that he is.”

Champion Media Group is based in Southport and produces five free newspapers covering Southport, Formby, Ormskirk and Skelmersdale, with the Aintree and Maghull Champion added to the stable in January.