THERE will be changes at the top in the Times editorial department from the beginning of next month.

Editor Colin Brent is leaving the post after 23 years. He is to take over as editor of the Launceston-based Cornish and Devon Post, the paper on which he started his career in newspapers more than 30 years ago.

He will be succeeded at the Times by Jane Honey, who has been deputy editor for the past seven years. Succeeding her as deputy editor will be reporter Alison Stephenson, who has worked for the Times series for 14 years.

Colin said he had seen many changes during his time in the editor's chair since 1990: 'It's been a fascinating journey from the noise and clatter of a 20th century editorial office to the current computerised and digital set-up — when I joined the Times more than 20 years' ago, journalists were still using typewriters and carbon paper, our photographer, James Bird, was shut away in his darkroom, developing black and white prints, and mobile phones were the size of a house-brick.

'There are many people, both within the Times and outside it, to whom I am grateful for their diligence, patience and, most importantly, good humour.

'I wish Jane and Alison well in their new posts and am sure that the paper will go from strength to strength.

'There is a great team in the editorial department and no doubt they will be relieved that they no longer have to put up with my none too subtle hints for more tea and my irritating habit of singing hit songs from the '70s and '80s!'

Jane said she was looking forward to taking up the editorial reins.

'It's certainly going to be a challenge — and Colin will be very much missed by us all — but I work with a fantastic bunch of people and we will make every effort to ensure the paper thrives and develops,' said Jane.

'This is a wonderful place to live and work and it's a privilege to reflect the news, life and general goings-on of the community.'

The Times series of newspapers and the Cornish and Devon Post series are both part of the Tindle Newspaper Group.