CHRIS Hatton has been named as the Echo’s new editor.

He takes up his position on Monday following the departure of Colin Channon.

Chris has served as deputy editor of the Echo for the past four years and held a number of positions before that, including assistant editor and news editor.

He said: “It is a privilege to take over as editor of the Echo, a newspaper which has always been at the heart of the communities it serves.

“For more than 40 years, the Echo has offered its readers an unrivalled daily local news service, and the paper has constantly evolved to offer readers the best local sport, features and entertainments coverage.

“Our team looks forward to continuing to provide this service, both in its print editions and online.

“I will make sure the Echo works harder than ever to reflect the hopes and concerns of people across south Essex.” Chris, who lives in Westcliff, is a school governor and serves as a trustee for a number of community groups and charities, including Cory Environmental Trust in Southend.

He added: “I have met countless community groups and organisations across Essex and I look forward, in the coming months, to meeting many more.

“I am also always available to talk to readers about the paper on 01268 469345 or on email at echo.editor @nqe.com”