The former editor of three regional dailies who went on to run journalism training courses has announced his “official retirement.”

Keith Perch, head of journalism at the University of Derby, has said farewell after more than four decades in the industry.

Keith edited the South Wales Echo from 1993-97, the Derby Telegraph from 1997-2000 and the Leicester Mercury between 2009 and 2011, as well as serving in a number of senior management roles with the then Northcliffe group.

He had worked at the University of Derby since 2013, introducing its pioneering football journalism course among other training programmes, and also served as a director of the Independent Press Standards Organisation between 2014 and 2019.

Keith, pictured, revealed his retirement in a series of Twitter posts on Monday.

He wrote: “That’s me done. And dusted. After more than four decades of working, today marks my official retirement.

“So many people to thank especially all the colleagues – many of whom I now consider good friends – who I have learnt from over the years.

“More recently I’ve been lucky enough to work with young people as they set out on their careers … and learnt so much from them. It’s not the first time I’ve retired, but this time I mean it.”

Richard Bowyer, senior lecturer in journalism at the university, was among a number of colleagues and former colleagues to pay tribute to Keith.

Richard, former editor of Stoke-on-Trent daily The Sentinel, wrote: “Happy retirement day Keith, thanks for everything you’ve done for me and for being a great boss.

“I hesitate to say this is it, I have a feeling you’ll be back… I hope so.”

Nub News editorial director Mike Sassi, who was Keith’s deputy at Derby, added: “It’s been an inspirational pleasure to work with you. And will continue to be so, I hope.”

Jeremy Clifford, chief content officer at Archant, said in a tweet that he “owed his career” to Keith, whom he worked alongside both at Derby and in Cardiff.

“You have deserved to have this moment. Best best wishes and thank you,” he added.