An editor is leaving an independent weekly to take a new reporting role on his old patch.

Richard Williams is leaving the Times of Tunbridge Wells after a year in charge to move to the West Midlands, where he previously worked before moving to Kent in 2010.

Richard is set to join the Midland News Association, publisher of the Wolverhampton Express & Star and the Shropshire Star as a senior journalist.

The Times is seeking a new editor as a result of his departure and the job is being advertised on HTFP here.

Richard, pictured, told HTFP: “While it is with regret that I’m leaving the Times of Tunbridge Wells after four really great years to relocate back to the West Midlands, I’m thrilled to be joining the Midland News Association as a senior journalist and very much looking forward to both the new challenge and in reconnecting with my old patch.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and opportunity at the Times and will certainly miss working with such a fabulous team and reporting from Tunbridge Wells with its fabulous community of residents and businesses that have made it such a great place to live and work.”

Richard previously worked as a reporter for Birmingham-based press agency News Team International from 2002 to 2005, before going freelance.

He continued freelancing after moving to Kent 13 years ago, joining the Times as chief reporter in November 2019 and subsequently being promoted to the editor role in December 2021.