The editor of the Edinburgh Evening News is to leave to take up a position with the city’s council.

Tom Little, who has been editor of the daily title for more than three years, will become head of policy and public affairs at the City of Edinburgh Council.

In a memo to staff Tom wrote that being editor had been the best time of his professional life.

Said Tom: “I think I am leaving the paper in good fettle and I know I am leaving it with a dedicated and talented staff.”

Tom has worked for Johnston Press owned The Scotsman Publications Ltd since 1993.

He started out as a reporter at the Evening News and then spent two-and-a-half years as health correspondent at the Daily Record.

He then spent a year with the Scottish Executive, now known as the Scottish Government, where he was a special adviser to First Minister, Henry McLeish and Jack McConnell.

Before being appointed editor of the Evening News he had been deputy editor of its sister title, Scotland on Sunday.

Euan McGroary is the current deputy editor of the Evening News.