IT is the end of an era for the Wirral Globe as it says goodbye to its editor Leigh Marles today.

Leigh has been part of the borough’s life for more than 17 years, not only reporting on it but helping to shape it.

"It will be a very emotional day for me on Friday, my last day in the editor’s chair.

"It will bring to an end a 17-year career with the Wirral Globe, which is my home town newspaper," said Leigh.

Before Leigh became the Globe's editor he had been bureau chief at Channel One Television, and before that editor of the Wirral News and Liverpool Star newspaper groups.

He was named as Newsquest’s Editor of the Year in 2012 and in 2018 the Globe was awarded the company's Publishing Centre of the Year accolade.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to have been editor of the Globe and I have been very lucky to have done that,” added Leigh.

"I have made a great many friends throughout the years of editing this title, and also one or two enemies! But that goes with the job I think.

"Our readers always have been tremendous and have helped raise millions for good causes across Wirral, whether they be individuals or organisations.

"I will really miss that side of my job.

"I will also be sad to leave my colleagues who have worked so hard to produce the latest news for the paper and our on - line platforms."

Leigh is not cutting ties completely with the newspaper and will continue to represent the Globe in the community as brand ambassador.

He also plans to set up his own media, PR and journalism consultancy.