​THE Plymouth-based Western Morning News and Bristol's Western Daily Press are to merge some operations, sharing an editor-in-chief and some senior editorial roles.

The papers will remain unique, but will have one editor-in-chief, current head of the WMN Alan Qualtrough.

WDP editor Andy Wright is to retire, and will be replaced by a soon-to-be-appointed editor who will report to Mr Qualtrough, who will also be editor of the WMN.

Both newspapers will keep their own reporting teams, and production of the titles will be shared between Plymouth and Bristol.

The titles will also be redesigned and relaunched.

Mr Qualtrough said: "This is an exciting project to relaunch two newspapers for the modern market.

"We believe the changes we are proposing will have a positive effect on both the Western Morning News and the Western Daily Press."

Mike Norton, editor-in-chief of the Wales and West titles, added: "These are structural changes which will have a positive effect on the Western Daily Press. While the paper’s content will not change, it will be driven by a new content desk with a radar screen covering the entire South West.

"I'm sure, too, that readers will appreciate the Press' stunning redesign. This could the beginning of a new lease of life and an exciting new era for the Western Daily Press.”

At the same time some production operations of newspapers in Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay will also be merged, with a team of sub-editors based in Plymouth.

Existing WDP content desk staff will be given the opportunity to apply for jobs at the new centralised content desk in Plymouth. Existing content desk staff in Exeter and Torquay will be able to apply for jobs in Plymouth.

The proposed creation of the Plymouth subbing hub will require a formal consultation period as more than 20 roles in Exeter and Torquay are potentially affected.

The titles are both produced by Northcliffe, The Herald's parent company.

Staff were told of the changes at simultaneous meetings on Monday afternoon.