Former Northern Echo editor Peter Sands is to bow out of his role as an editorial adviser with regional publisher Local World.

Peter, who has been advising the company and its predecessor Northcliffe Media on a consultancy basis for the past two years, will not be renewing his contract when it finishes in July.

The renowned former editor was initially taken on for three months to help with Northcliffe’s plan to switch four of its daily titles to weekly publication and ended up staying for two years.

His work has included helping publishers and managing directors with recruitment, running training courses and seminars, overseeing contract negotiations with PA and producing the monthly Ideas newsletter.

Said Peter:  “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two years – working with people I know and respect and helping them to rapidly change the business and the culture.

“There are a new set of challenges now with Local World and the time is right for me to bow out.”

Local World said Peter’s arrangements with other clients, including the Daily Mail, Mail Online, The Daily Telegraph, Telegraph online and Press Association Training, where he is consultant editor, means he can no longer commit to the company.

He will still be available after July for training, design and consultancy work through his company Sands Media Services.