A reporter has left a weekly newspaper after 20 years of service as the title prepares to go “in a new direction”.

Tony Gussin has announced his departure from the North Devon Gazette, where he has worked for two decades.

In a farewell piece, Tony said his decision to “seek out new horizons and other pastures” came after owner Archant decided to relaunch the paper.

HTFP has approached Archant for further details on the relaunch.

Tony, pictured, wrote: “I am sad to announce that this is my last working week with the North Devon Gazette after almost 20 years.

“The company is relaunching the paper and taking it in a new direction, so I am taking the opportunity to seek out new horizons and other pastures.”

In his message to readers, he added: “Two decades at one newspaper seems like overkill but I never wanted to be anywhere else or doing anything else.

“Famous people, politicians, animals, driving a lifeboat, getting in a pen with wolves, so many different experiences that I can barely recall half of them.

“It has been an incredible rollercoaster and I have met some amazing people along the way, all with their own stories, from serious campaigns through to the deeply touching and awe-inspiring, or just downright hilarious.

“I have always said it is the people I meet that make the job for me and I will really miss all of you.”