A weekly’s editor is stepping down after almost a quarter of a century as his successor makes history by becoming the first woman to edit the 159-year-old newspaper.

Colin Maughan has worked for the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald since the mid-1970s, and has edited the independent weekly for 24 years, but is now moving into a new part-time consultancy role with its editorial team.

He will be succeeded at the Penrith-based paper by Emily Atherton, who has worked alongside him as news editor and deputy editor for the past four years.

Colin, who turned 63 yesterday, took over the editorship in 1995 after joining the Herald as a reporter in the mid-1970s and later working as sports editor, news editor and deputy editor.

Colin Maughan, left, and his successor Emily Atherton

During his tenure he oversaw the Herald’s move to full colour printing in 1999 and the arrival of digital photography, as well as awards triumphs including the paper being named Weekly Newspaper of the Year at the 2013 Newspaper Awards and Community Publication of the Year in the 02 North West Media Awards.

The Herald also gained national exposure when it revealed in 2015 that the then-Cumbria police and crime commissioner had undertaken chauffeur-driven journeys at a time of cuts in the police service, with three people subsequently being arrested in connection with leaking the information.

Colin told HTFP: “It has been an honour and a privilege to edit the paper and to follow in the footsteps of some illustrious predecessors. I have been lucky to be able to count on a dedicated team at the Herald.

“The appearance of the paper and the methods of production have changed greatly over the years but one constant has been the desire to provide readers with a comprehensive and reliable source of local news.

“I have been pleased that the Herald has been able to take up a number of causes on behalf of readers, particularly the fight to save our area’s community hospitals and other vital local services, such as Penrith’s cinema and one of its fire engines.

“In view of the advance of social media, the paper’s relationship with its readers has changed, but they can be assured that the Herald will stay at the heart of the community.”

Colin will remain on the company’s board, after being appointed as a director in 2001, in addition to his consultancy work.

Emily, 53, first worked for the paper in the late-1980s as its farming editor. After a career break she returned as a news reporter and took up her present role in 2015.

Emily, who becomes the eighth editor in the Herald’s history today said: “I feel immensely privileged to be the Herald’s first female editor. The paper has a long history in reflecting all aspects of life right across its patch and I intend to make sure that continues into the future.

“These are challenging times for print journalism, but I believe a local paper has a vital and irreplaceable part to play as a voice and a watchdog for the community it serves.”

Emma Thompson, who has been part of the Herald’s editorial team for 20 years and has most recently specialised in local government, will now become news editor.