A weekly newspaper editor will take charge of a sister title while its own news chief goes on maternity leave.

Richard Best, left, editor of the West Briton, will lead fellow Local World title The Cornishman in the absence of editor Jacqui Walls.

Jacqui will begin her maternity leave on 17 May and Richard will start his expanded role the following Monday.

The move was announced to staff in an internal memo by Cornwall and Devon Media.

Said Jacqui: “It is always difficult to step back from something into which you’ve invested so much thought and energy.

“The newspaper is in great shape and ready to take on the digital transformation. I know it will be in safe hands under Richard’s leadership over the next few months.”

Richard added: “The Cornishman has thrived under Jacqui’s leadership. It punches well above its weight in all kinds of ways – it is regularly shortlisted for awards, has the kind of household penetration in its heartland that any editor would envy, and a great team.

“I’m pleased to look after this ‘baby’ of Jacqui’s while she is away bringing a real one into the world, but suspect she won’t be a stranger.

“Anybody who knows Jacqui will understand that it probably won’t be long until the new baby Walls (Merrington) is introduced to the joys of a newsroom.”

Mark Sainsbury, managing director at Cornwall and Devon Media, added: “Jacqui will be missed by The Cornishman over the next few months but the business is in a very fortunate position to be able to call on a very experienced and respected editor in Richard Best to cover for this short period.”