First new editor for 25 years at Weston and Somerset Mercury

Archant has appointed a new editor for the 171-year-old Weston, Worle and Somerset Mercury – the title's first new editor in 25 years.

Content editor Simon Angear will be promoted to editor at the beginning of May, the publisher has announced. He replaces Judi Kisiel, who is retiring.

Angear, who will also edit the paper's sister weekly titles, said: "Having grown up in Weston, the Mercury was the first paper I ever knew, and its strength and community standing shaped my ideas of what a good newspaper can achieve.

"I understand the weight of responsibility which comes with succeeding her as editor; Judi’s legacy is a thriving and respected title, and it will be my job to protect that and help it grow even further.

"That job will be made easier by the fact that I am inheriting an excellent newsroom team, and I’ve been touched by the support and kind wishes they have all offered since my appointment was confirmed."

Angear joined Archant in 2008 after previously working at the Weston and Worle News and spent five years editing the Bridgwater Mercury.

Archant Lifestyle regional managing director Tim Thurston said Kisiel, who leaves at the end of April after 25 years editing the paper, "has had a remarkable career with Archant and has produced some of the finest papers ever seen in the South West".