The editor of a series of weekly newspapers has retired to be replaced by his deputy.

Steve Harvey has left South Hams Newspapers after 13 years to be replaced by group deputy editor Stuart Nuttall.

Papers now under Stuart’s responsibility include the Kingsbridge & Salcombe Gazette, Dartmouth Chronicle, Ivybridge & South Brent Gazette, Totnes News and the Plympton, Plymstock & Ivybridge News, plus three titles in the Totnes Times series.

Steve, pictured above left, worked his last day at the Tindle-owned series last month.

He said: “Although this job has brought its own challenges, living and working among the warm and friendly people of the South Hams has always been a great privilege.

“I’m delighted to be leaving the papers in the hands of a vibrant young team and am confident Stuart will lead them to distinction as they continue to forge a new path in our rapidly changing, high-tech world.”

Stuart began his career in the late 1980s when he joined Citysight magazine in Bristol as an editorial assistant.

He then freelanced for the Bristol Journal and Bristol Observer series before going on to study journalism in Cardiff.

In 1990, he joined the Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard series in Cirencester as a reporter, late  becoming a sub-editor, before being appointed deputy chief sub at the Slough & Windsor Observer series in 1993.

Four years later Stuart moved to the Exeter Express & Echo, initially as a sub and later as design editor, before leaving for South Hams in May 2010.

Stuart, pictured left, said: “While we are all sorry that Steve has decided to pack away his quill pen, I’m delighted to have been offered the privilege of taking over from him and wish him a long and happy retirement.”

South Hams Newspapers managing director Jackie Smith added: “It’s always sad to say goodbye to a colleague, especially so to Steve, who has always been a delight to work with, maintaining a calm and steady influence throughout the 13 years I’ve known him.

“I and the rest of the staff here wish him a long and happy retirement. Stuart takes over at a challenging time as we embrace an increasing readership through our digital presence.

“I have every confidence he will succeed in attracting many new readers through this medium and secure the continued popularity of the papers for many years to come.”