THE Worcester News has bid farewell to its editor.

Stewart Gilbert retired on Friday after seven years of editing the Worcester News and the Berrow's Worcester Journal - the oldest continuously-produced English language newspaper.

Mr Gilbert, who lives in Hereford with his wife Eileen - a retired primary school teacher - said he planned to spend time "doing nothing" before deciding what to do with his retirement.

"I'm looking at various options, including studying for a degree in ancient history," he said.

"I will also travel more. We plan to go to South Africa to visit relatives in October.

"We also have a caravan so I am sure we will be driving everybody mad driving that around Europe."

Mr Gilbert - who is president of Hereford Wye Valley Rotary Club as well as a district officer with the organisation - ends a long career in journalism, including 28 years editing local newspapers.

He first came to Worcestershire in 1990, when he took over the Evesham Journal, Cotswold Journal, Stratford Journal and later the Admag Series.

Following his success at Evesham, he was appointed editor of the Hereford Times, in 1993 and saw its readership grow to more than 42,000 - making it the fourth highest circulation weekly newspaper in the UK.

In 2001 he became editor of the Worcester News and Berrow's Journal, where again he has achieved great success - making it one of the top performing papers in the country.

"In the market place of today, producing a newspaper that is recognised as one of the best small regionals in the country in both editorial quality and circulation terms gives me great pleasure," he said.

"It's not just down to the editor, but one of the best editorial teams in the country, supported by one of the best management teams, who have single-mindedly driven the whole business to give the readers great value."

Mike Donovan, managing director of Newsquest's Worcester and Stourbridge divisions, paid tribute to Mr Gilbert.

He said: "Stewart's experience, drive and commitment to the Worcester News and the Berrow's Journal has had a very positive impact in the success of these newspapers, ensuring that they remain the premier titles in the Worcester marketplace."

Mr Gilbert, aged 60, thanked all the readers for their "support and generosity" over the years.

"Worcester News readers are not afraid to criticise and we appreciate this because we know under that criticism they care about their local newspaper and we want to make it great for them," he said.

Kevin Ward will take over as editor of the Worcester News and Berrow's Journal on Monday, May 21. Mr Ward, who is currently publisher of Newsquest's East Wales Weeklies, was born and grew-up in the Faithful City.