Sir, – As a former D&S Times reporter, may I pass my best wishes and appreciation to the editor, Malcolm Warne, who is leaving the newspaper.

I worked at the D&S in the early 2000s and thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

Malcolm and his staff trained and encouraged me as a reporter, always focusing on accuracy, balance and non-sensational journalism. They taught me many things and gave me valuable experiences which I still use today.

I grew up in the Great Ayton and Stokesley area and was very proud to become a Cleveland reporter. The D&S was, and remains, a highly-respected, trusted source of local and regional news for thousands across Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Working for the D&S brought great variety and job satisfaction, with its detailed focus on northern people, places and issues.

I covered parish and borough councils, planning debates, public meetings and protests. There were market town campaigns, national park meetings, agricultural shows and news from schools, colleges, universities, farming and business.

As a Cleveland reporter, I covered the seemingly endless spats at Yarm Town Council, interviewed a veteran Communist who gave Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon a crash-course in politics, and reported on the revival of North York Moors sheep after the foot-and-mouth crisis.

In addition to news, I had the opportunity to review art and musical events.

I have fond memories of concerts held in tiny churches during the Swaledale Festival, big orchestras at Ripon Cathedral and pop bands at the Radio One Roadshow in Middlesbrough. What more writing experience could a young reporter have asked for?

Malcolm Warne and others at the D&S, including Mike Bridgen and the sub-editors, had a big influence on me. So I'd like to put my appreciation of Malcolm on the record – in the D&S Times.

ROBBIE MACDONALD

Business Editor, Oldham Evening Chronicle,

Greater Manchester.