THE Editor of the Worcester News is leaving after almost four years at the helm of the county's only daily newspaper.

Kevin Ward has been promoted to a senior management position by Newsquest, the owners of the Worcester News, and will be responsible for the company's East Wales and Gloucestershire divisions from Monday.

Mr Ward, who joined the Worcester News in 2007, is to be succeeded by Peter John, currently the Publisher of Newsquest's Stourbridge division.

During Mr Ward's period as Editor, the Worcester News has won a series of awards including Front Page of the Year, Scoop of the Year and Midlands Newspaper of the Year. He was named Newsquest Editor of the Year last week.

He said: "It has been a pleasure to edit my home city's newspaper.

"We have achieved much in the last four years and I have been privileged to work with one of the best newsroom teams in the country.

"I have made some great friends across the county. My new role is a big career challenge for me but I will miss everyone at the Worcester News."

Mr John, a journalist and newspaper manager for more than 30 years, takes over as Editor of the Worcester News on Monday.