Reporter's last edition far from Standard (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Reporter's last edition far from Standard

STANDARD stalwart Steve Barton wrote his last front page for the North Wiltshire edition of the paper this week.

The 37-year-old is moving to the Haverhill Echo in Suffolk, a stone's throw from Portland Road, where his beloved Ipswich Town treads the turf.

Steve upped sticks from the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph and moved to the Standard in May 2003.

He began by covering Fairford and Lechlade, before moving to Malmesbury 18 months ago to write the paper's popular Wiltshire edition.

On both patches Steve quickly became part of the community, writing countless stories about important local issues and endearing himself to civic leaders and residents in equal doses.

Steve was also a key member of the Standard Bearers five-a-side team, a reliable defender who will be difficult to replace.

Standard news editor Simon Davies said: "Steve will be sorely missed at the Standard, both on patch and on the pitch.

"His hard work has been invaluable and I know we are going to find it difficult to replace him. We wish him all the best at his next job."