A former deputy editor who went on to become a renowned journalism course leader has announced his retirement.

Paul Wiltshire is stepping down as BA Journalism Course leader at the University of Gloucestershire after a 39 year career in the industry.

The 60-year-old took up the role of course leader six years ago and recently won the prestigious chairman’s award at the NCTJ’s annual Awards for Excellence, pictured below.

Paul will be replaced as journalism course leader by Lou Birt, currently senior news editor at the BBC West Midlands working across TV, radio and online.

Paul, left, receives his award from NCTJ chairman Kim Fletcher.

He told HTFP: “It’s been a massive privilege to lead our course, which has achieved 100% scores for student support in the National Student Survey and 100pc professional level employment in the Graduate Outcomes survey – both for two years running.

“Helping to shape the personal and professional lives of young people is a very special joy, and seeing so many of them develop into confident, emotionally-intelligent journalism and comms professionals is a gift that keeps on giving.

“But it’s time to let someone else taste that joy, and bring new energy to the role. And Lou is the perfect person to do that.

“I’m going to be travelling, doing some volunteering with a literacy charity, and enjoying not having to keep up with every twist and turn of media law, emerging technology and industry trends.”

Before joining the University eight years ago, Paul was a regional editorial trainer for Local World – now part of Reach plc – and before that deputy editor of the Bath Chronicle.

He previously worked as a reporter and in newsdesk roles at the Herald Express in Torquay and the Swindon Advertiser before joining the Chronicle in 1995.

Lou announced her new role in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

She wrote: “It’s my last day at the BBC. I’m off to be Journalism course leader at University of Gloucestershire taking over from the immense Paul Wiltshire – so big shoes to fill.

“I’m excited to be working with a new generation of journalists. Thank you to the amazing BBC colleagues I’ve learned from.

“When I started in local newspapers, we were given a typewriter, an ashtray (crucial) and a spike for our copy. I also had absolutely massive hair.

“There was no email, mobiles or internet. The life of a journalist now is incomparable but still at its core retains the same principles.”