A daily newspaper editor who first joined the title as a school-leaver in 1970 has announced he is to retire next spring after 20 years in charge.

Chris Bright, 61, is stepping down as editor of the Jersey Evening Post next year having spent his entire career at the paper.

Joining straight from school, Chris worked as a reporter, sub-editor and columnist on the paper before becoming editor in 1994.

He will be succeeded by the current deputy news editor, 38-year-old Andy Sibcy, who has been appointed editor-designate.

Said Chris:  “After 40-plus years in journalism, from hot metal to Twitter, it is time to step aside for a younger editor and see what else life has to offer.

“It is a privilege to edit any newspaper and I have been especially grateful for the opportunity to do so in my own home island and as part of an institution that is still such a big part of its daily community life.

“There are many great things about a career in journalism, not least the camaraderie with the wonderful cast of characters you get to work with and to meet right across the industry.

I look forward to cheering them on from the sidelines in the important battles to come, and as the JEP prepares to celebrate its 125th birthday in 2015.”

Andy began his career at the Express & Star, Wolverhampton, which is owned by the same parent company as the JEP.

A graduate in both history and law, Andy joined the JEP when he moved to Jersey in 2001.