The Sidmouth Herald waved farewell to its chief reporter after five years on the job this week.

Stephen Sumner first began working on the paper as a trainee reporter in 2012, after completing his training at Lancaster University.

Since then, the 28-year-old has worked his way up the ladder and become a leading figure on the Herald, and a well-known face in Sidmouth.

Stephen will be leaving the paper to take up a job on the Bath Chronicle as a local democracy reporter.

He said: “I would like to thank all the wonderful people in Sidmouth who have made my job such a pleasure.

I have enjoyed my time on the Herald thoroughly and am looking forward to my next adventure.”

Stephen’s colleague Beth Sharp has now stepped up to replace him as the Herald’s chief reporter.

Group editor Andy Keeble said: “Stephen has been a brilliant ambassador for the Herald and we wish him every success in his next journalistic adventure.”

Sylvia Brownlee, the secretary at the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, said: “We would like to thank Stephen and your good selves for reporting our meetings and events so thoroughly.

“I have found Stephen a very good and committed reporter and wish him well for the future.”