An editor has left a weekly newspaper after just under two years in charge to seek new opportunities in the voluntary sector.

Lucy Slade has said farewell to the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal, which she has edited since April 2022.

Lucy, pictured, joined Journal publisher Tindle Newspapers in 2019 after leaving Bath Spa University.

Tindle’s newly-appointed regional digital editor for Somerset, David Shepherd, will take interim charge at the paper while Lucy’s replacement is sought.

In a farewell piece, she wrote: “After nearly five years at Tindle Newspapers Ltd., I am saying goodbye to this chapter of my life.

“When our previous editor, the brilliant Becky Brooks, took a chance on me before the pandemic, I was fresh out of university and looking to experience the wonders of the newsroom.

“You all, along with my wonderful colleagues, welcomed me with open arms and words of encouragement – something I very much needed back then.

“Working through the pandemic and coming to terms with our ‘new normal’ was quite an adjustment for myself and our incredible team, but we had the support and encouragement from our lovely readers to keep us going.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you, our loyal contributors, customers, and supporters. Your unwavering support has meant the world to our team.

“Through the ups and downs, your belief in our work has kept us going. Your dedication to our community and the stories we’ve shared have been the heart and soul of this publication, and I know it will continue to thrive in my absence with the continued help from yourselves.”

Lucy added: “I’m excited to share that I’ll be moving on to explore new opportunities within the Third Sector. It’s a bittersweet transition, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the newsroom, but I’m eager to embrace this new challenge and make a difference in a different way.

“Although a lot is changing over the next few months, I have been assured that the new regional digital editor for Somerset is brilliant and will step in to help the Journal while my position is filled.”