A long-serving news editor on a weekly newspaper is celebrating promotion to the editor’s chair at the age of 64.

Maurice O’Brien has run the newsdesk at the Reading Chronicle since 1997 and, at an age when many journalists are thinking about retirement, has now succeeded to the top job.

The move follows the departure of Sally Stevens as editorial director of the Chronicle publisher the Berkshire Media Group last month to take up a charity fundraising role.

Sally has not been replaced as editorial director but Maurice has now taken over her day to day role as editor of the Chronicle.

Maurice began his career in 1968 on the then Evening Post in Reading before joining the Reading News Agency in 1973.

He remained with the agency for 24 years, ultimately becoming its owner, before joining the Chronicle as news editor in 1997.

Said Maurice: “Since I arrived here I’ve worked for five editors and after nearly 46 years working in journalism in Reading I thought it was about time I put some of that experience to good use.”

As well as editing the paid-for Chronicle he also has responsibility for the free titles Reading Midweek and the Newbury and Thatcham Chronicle.

Maurice’s old job of news editor goes to Tessa Watkins who steps up from chief reporter.

Tessa did work experience for the paper as a schoolgirl and joined the staff three years ago, winning the Society of Editors award for best mark in the NCE news interview in November 2012.

Sally, who herself started out on the Chronicle in 1982, left to become director of fundraising and communications at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service last month.

She is now heading a £5m fundraising campaign for a new hospice for children near Maidenhead, which is planned to open in 2016.