The founder of the News Media Association has been honoured as he prepares to start a month-long handover to his successor.

NMA chief executive David Newell is set to retire in the coming weeks and is set to be succeeded by Owen Meredith.

Henry Faure Walker, chairman of the trade body for the regional and national press, paid tribute to David, pictured, at his final NMA annual general meeting.

Henry thanks him for his contribution to the industry during his career at the NMA and formerly the Newspaper Society which he joined in 1984, as legal consultant and then head of parliamentary and legal affairs.

Henry told Thursday’s meeting: “David Newell has dedicated much of his life to campaigning for the press freedom issues which underpin our democracy, fighting to ensure open justice, freedom of information and a strong and vibrant news media industry.”

David announced his retirement from the organisation last year.

Owen joins the NMA from the Professional Publishers Association, where he is currently CEO.