The incoming editor of the South Wales Argus has described his long-serving predecessor as a “tough act to follow.”

As first reported on HTFP last month, Gerry Keighley has stepped down after 18 years at the helm of the Newport-based title.

The baton has now passed to his one-time deputy, Kevin Ward, left, who has lived in Newport for the past 23 years despite a period of four years as editor of the Worcester News.

On his first day in charge today, he paid tribute to Gerry’s “outstanding leadership.”

Said Kevin:  “I am delighted to be rejoining the Argus as Editor. I have had the privilege of editing the daily newspaper for Worcester, where I was born, and now have the honour of taking the helm of the daily newspaper for the area I have made my home for many years.

“I have a tough act to follow and I’d like to pay tribute to Gerry Keighley for his outstanding editorship over almost two decades.

“These are challenging times for local newspapers but the local news, sport and information we deliver is vitally important for the communities we serve and will continue to be so whether it is being delivered in print, via the internet, mobile phones, tablets or by any other means.

“My aim is to make our newspaper and website must-reads for the people of Newport and its surrounding towns. I intend us to be informative, fun, challenging, interactive and positive.

“Above all, I want to build on our reputation as one of Britain’s best campaigning local newspapers, continually fighting on behalf of our readers and the communities we serve.”

Kevin, 45, worked at the Argus in a variety of editorial roles for 16 years before being appointed editor of the News, a post he held until last year. More recently he has been pubslisher of Argus owner Newsquest’s businesses in East Wales and Gloucestershire.

Although born in Worcester. he lived in Cwmbran for ten years and has lived in Newport since 1989.