The editor of the world's oldest daily newspaper, the Belfast based 'News Letter', resigned today.
Austin Hunter quit after exactly two years in the post saying it was time to take life easier. The paper which first went on sale in 1737 joined the Johnston Press stable - owners of 'The Scotsman' and nearly 150 regional papers - last year.
The company also announced the departure of Pat McArt as group editor of Derry Journal Newspapers. He had edited the 'Derry Journal' for 25 years.
At the same time Johnston Press announced the appointment of Tom Brennan as managing director of the Derry Journal group. He is currently chief executive of the Newry and Down Democrat.
Mr Hunter was appointed editor of the News Letter in April 2004 and at the end of last year the newspaper celebrated its best circulation in eight years.
He said: "It is with sadness that I leave the company but feel the time is now right to take life easier. When I am asked in my retirement what I did during my career I will always proudly say I was editor of the 'News Letter'."
Wishing both men long and happy years ahead, Jean Long, Johnston divisional manager for Northern Ireland, said the company would now be seeking to recruit top quality journalists to fill their positions.
Agencies