A new publisher is set to launch more newspapers after revealing it has bought an independent title.

Clear Sky Publishing has announced a deal to buy The Moorlander, which covers Dartmoor, following the retirement of its owner Eric Partridge.

Clear Sky has further revealed it is planning to launch another weekly in Devon in the spring, with further new publications planned over the coming months.

The company was formed last year by Simon Bax, who was Archant’s executive chairman until 2020, along with Torbay Weekly managing director Chris Coward.

Chris, pictured, said: “We are delighted to be acquiring The Moorlander at this time.

“As well as being a great title and enjoyable read, it fits in beautifully with our geography and our portfolio.”

Simon added: “Clear Sky’s mission is to inspire and inform, working within a community making people proud and knowledgeable about the area where they live.

“The Moorlander is a wonderful example of a title that does just that for the people living and working in and around Dartmoor. We are honoured to be its new custodians.”

The Okehampton-based Moorlander was launched in 2016.

Clear Sky announced last August it was buying three Archant titles – the Torbay Weekly and North Devon Gazette newspapers, as well as Exeter Life magazine.

In November, it touted further acquisitions and launches after revealing its editorial management structure.

Clear Sky editor-in-chief Jim Parker said: “Eric and his team have done a brilliant job with The Moorlander positioning it at the heart of a vibrant community – exactly what we aim do with all our publications at Clear Sky.

“We wish him a happy retirement and a commitment to sustain and further develop a product of which he would be proud.”