The longest-serving daily editor in the UK regional press will reflect on his career in journalist at an event on his patch next month.

As previously reported by HTFP, Noel Doran, left, is standing down in April after 25 years as editor of the Irish News.

Prior to his departure, Noel will look back at his stint as editor at the Imagine Festival of Ideas and Politics, to be held in Belfast.

Noel – voted the best editor of the 21st century by HTFP readers – will join freelance journalist Amanda Ferguson for the panel discussion at the event on 22nd March.

Noel began his career with the Antrim Guardian in 1978, before moving to the Ballymena Observer and later joining the Belfast Telegraph.

He joined the Irish News as deputy editor in 1993 before becoming editor in 1999.

During his tenure, the newspaper has amassed a raft of UK and regional awards and is now the biggest selling regional daily in the country.

Noel, who will continue to play a consultancy role with the paper, will be succeeded by Chris Sherrard, formerly Reach’s Ireland editor-in-chief.

Next month’s free event at the Crescent Arts Centre is part of an annual festival that includes discussions on the “big issues of our times including new ideas on politics, culture and activism”.

Tickets for the event, which takes place from 12.30-2pm, are available from imaginebelfast.com/event/noel-doran-in-conversation-with-amanda-ferguson