Northern Echo editor Hannah Chapman is stepping down to concentrate on running sister weekly the Darlington & Stockton Times.
Chapman, who has been in charge of the Newsquest-owned Northern Echo for two years, will also edit monthly title Northern Farmer.
News of her departure from the Darlington-based Echo was announced in an email to staff from Newsquest North Managing Director David Coates, seen by Hold The Front Page.
He said: “Hannah Chapman has decided to step down as Editor of The Northern Echo. However, I am very pleased to confirm that Hannah will continue her long association with the company in the new role of editor for the weekly Darlington & Stockton Times and monthly Northern Farmer.
“Hannah is looking forward to having the time to give the D&S Times – the paper she grew up with – her full attention.
“We will now begin the process of searching for Hannah’s replacement, and we would welcome applications from both internal and external candidates.”
Chapman became the first female editor of the Northern Echo when she was appointed in July 2018. She joined the Newsquest title as a trainee reporter in 2003, rising through the ranks to become deputy editor and then editor.
