A new editor has been named at a South West newspaper after his predecessor’s secondment to a group-wide role was made permanent.

Andy Phelan left the Local World-owned Exeter Express & Echo in January to work as part of the newly-created group’s ‘transformation team.’

Now Paul Burton, who took over as acting editor in the interim, has been given the job on a permanent basis.

Announcing the appointment, Local World said Andy’s secondment to the transformation team was now a permanent role.

Before joining the Express & Echo, Paul spent five years at the Western Daily Press as head of content and deputy editor.

Blanche Sainsbury, managing director of LW’s South West Media Group division said: “Appointing Paul into position of editor is in recognition of the hard work and commitment he has given the business since joining in January.

“He has brought new ideas for compelling content and is working alongside our commercial teams to develop new partnerships and platforms. I am delighted to welcome Paul to the team.”

Added Paul: “There’s a team full of talent in Exeter and I’m extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to carry on working with people genuinely passionate about making the Echo and EX magazine succeed.

“Helping the title establish itself as a weekly paper full of compelling, entertaining and relevant content while launching a new website that aspires to be the all-encompassing website Exeter deserves is a big but exciting challenge.”