The deputy editor of a weekly newspaper has taken voluntary redundancy after spending his entire 33-year career with the title.

Tim Morriss left the Mansfield Chad at the end of December, having first joined the Johnston Press-owned title as a reporter in 1979.

He has been deputy editor of the paper since the early 1990s after previously being its sports editor and deputy news editor.

Tim, who is an avid fan of Mansfield Town Football Club, is now looking for other opportunities and is considering writing a book about the team.

He said: “It has been my life for more than 30 years. I just thought it was time for a change. I have worked with some great people over the years and I wish the Chad well in challenging times.

“Particularly over the last 15 or 20 years, there has been so much happening off the field with the Stags in terms of controversial owners and takeover sagas, I would consider writing a book.”

He said his highlights have included Mansfield Town winning the Freight Rover Trophy in 1987 on penalties and Rainworth Miners Welfare FC’s run to the FA Vase final in 1982.

News stories which stood out included Princess Diana visiting the town’s Portland College and covering a huge fire which involved standing in a field with a photographer at 2am.

Tweeting about his departure on 31 December, Tim wrote: “End of an era. Was last day at Chad today after 33 years. Thanks to everyone I have worked with. Here’s to a new year and a new beginning.”

Also leaving the paper last month were photographer Angela Ward and editorial assistants Julie Frost and Chris Green, who have all been there many years.

Johnston Press introduced a voluntary redundancy scheme in October aimed primarily at journalists, in a bid to cut costs.

Buxton Advertiser editor John Phillips left the company after 38 years last month and is also believed to have taken voluntary redundancy.