Regional publisher Local World has named a new editor for daily-turned-weekly title the Exeter Express & Echo

Jon-Paul Hedge, pictured left, moves to the vacant post from his current role as head of content for sister title the Torquay Herald Express.

The move follows previous editor Paul Burton’s appointment as editor of Plymouth daily The Herald at the start of Decemeber.

Paul, who had been editor in Exeter since June 2013, moved to Plymouth following Ian Wood’s departure from The Herald after just 20 months in charge.

Jon-Paul, who takes up his new role on 24 February, first joined the Herald Express 12 years ago as a trainee reporter.

He said: “I will miss the Herald Express a great deal. It has is a wealth of truly fantastic journalists who care about their community – just one of the many traits it shares with the Express and Echo.

“Exeter is a fantastic city with a very bright future. I’m looking forward to working with a team with a reputation for demonstrating passion towards all our products as well as leading a title that embodies city life.”

Mark Sainsbury, managing director of LW’s Devon & Cornwall division added:  “Jon-Paul’s hard work and enthusiasm has brought new ideas for compelling content to the Herald Express for many years, of which I am sure he will replicate in the Exeter Express and Echo, both in print and online”.