I’ve always loved a good story. The only thing better than being told one, in my opinion, is finding one and telling it to other people.

Fortunately, that’s been my job for many years. And even decades later, there’s always been new ones to tell.

People doing amazing things, people helping others, people making a difference to the community around them.

Sometimes there’s a touch of celebrity involved, sometimes it’s a case of sporting excellence or unusual talent that needs to be recognised. But often it’s someone doing great things in a quiet, modest way, which deserves plaudits and a bigger audience for what they are achieving.

In my five years as editor of the News & Mail, the local community has never let me down. Stories of bravery, of determination, of fund raising for a multitude of good causes. We’ve had them all, week after week.

We are fortunate, as a local newspaper, to reflect such a vibrant and diverse community, that shares and enjoys aspects of different cultures.

In adversity, it’s a community that pulls together, as was shown during the pandemic. We had so many stories during those unprecedented times of national crisis, of people supporting each other locally, caring for others, finding ways to raise spirits and help their neighbourhoods.

It was a pleasure to be a part of reporting it all, of highlighting all the local connections.

It was a similar theme when I was invited to attend a Local Media Champions reception at 10 Downing Street, recently.

The key speech was given by Lucy Frazer, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who said: “Local journalism helps 
local areas stay connected, generates local pride and keeps communities engaged in local issues.

“Local journalists capture the heart of our communities and make sure politicians are doing their jobs better by holding them to account.”

And yes, that’s part of what we do, and I believe the News & Mail does it well.

I’m proud of how we’ve covered a range of local issues and brought them to your attention. I believe we’ve helped make a positive difference.

But ultimately, a newspaper is nothing without its community and its stories. That’s what keeps us connected. Thank you, as a community, for being so wonderful, so engaging, so creative and supportive.

Anyway, the time has come for someone else to tell your stories. I’ll miss getting to hear them as they develop, but I’ll look forward to reading them each week, along with the rest of you.

And I’d like to say thanks, once again, for being part of this with us, for sharing your news, for supporting the causes we’ve highlighted, for being involved with your local community just by reading this newspaper.

We couldn’t do it without you, and we’re very grateful for your interest and support.