A weekly newspaper’s editor says the future is “looking bright” for the title as he departs to run a regional daily.

Andrew Colley has said farewell to the Reading Chronicle as he prepares to take up the editorship of the Oxford Mail.

Andrew, pictured, has run the Chronicle along with its Newsquest sister weeklies the Bucks Free Press, Slough Observer and Bracknell News since the summer of 2018.

Katie French, who revealed her departure from Newsquest weeklies the Basingstoke Gazette and Andover Advertiser in September, will take on Andrew’s titles following his move.

In a first-person piece ahead of his departure, Andrew said he hadn’t “looked back” since the move.

He wrote: “Being the place people turn to when they needed trusted information is what we do best and long may it continue.

“And as I write to you today, with the Reading Chronicle in a strong position in print and online as one of the UK’s best performing weekly regional media outlets, I ask that you continue to show your support.

“Behind the scenes in every newsroom is a team of dedicated, hard-working journalists doing everything they can – at any hour of the day – to bring you the news that matters and stand up for our residents.

“In my opening editorial, back in 2018, I promised the team would be the town’s biggest cheerleaders in times of joy and a shoulder to cry on when you needed support at the most. We have done just that.

“Our articles have the power to make a huge difference to people’s lives, so please continue to show loyal support – picking up a weekly newspaper and reading online can make all the different and will help ensure we’re here for many years to come.”

“Throughout the pandemic and all the events of the past three years, we’ve been by your side every step of the way and with a new editor at the helm the future is looking bright.

“I will continue to follow news from Reading as a reader, moving within the company to take the reins at our sister titles in Oxford.

“But for now, I hand over to Katie French, previously the editor of the Basingstoke Gazette, who will take on the fight on behalf of you all.

“Look out for next week’s paper to find out more about Katie and how you can get in touch. For now, farewell.”