SPORTS EDITOR Keith Watson is leaving the Gazette after 28 months in the role and four and a half years at the newspaper as a whole.

Keith, who started at the Gazette as a trainee news reporter in June 2003, is leaving to take up another job in sports journalism.

He said: "I have really enjoyed my time as sports editor here but, as with most things in life, it is time to take the next step.

"When I took over on the Gazette sports desk I said I wanted to deliver a comprehensive level of sports coverage every week and I hope I have done that."

"However, it would have been totally impossible without the help of all the regular contributors and club contacts, so I would like to thank them all for their help over the past two years or so.

"I'd also like to thank Gordon and Christine for all their help on the sports desk over the past two years."

Regular stand-in Matt Bigwood will be taking over on the sports desk until a permanent replacement is appointed.