EX-KN Sports editor and holiday stand-in for the role, Kevin Hopkinson is leaving the paper.

Hoppy, 50, who has taken voluntary redundancy, plans to 'get those oddjobs done around the house that I've been promising to do for years. I also plan to be getting in plenty of walking and fell running ... and also find another job."

He adds: "I've made some great friends - and the odd enemy - in 31 years in journalism. Thanks for your company - and to my workmates for putting up with my singing."