A MAINSTAY of the South Devon newspaper world has retired from the Mid-Devon Advertiser group after 16 years running the show.

Sandra Perraton, a regional managing director for Tindle Newspapers, is not severing her ties completely, as she takes up the role of an ambassador for the group in its south west stronghold.

She said this week: ‘Leaving is a real heart-wrench for me – but with my new role my heart will still be here.’

Chairman of Tindle Newspapers Owen Tindle paid tribute to her leadership and wished her the very best in her new engagement to promote the company.

He said: ‘I would like to thank Sandra on behalf of the company and my family for her many years of service – and in particular for her leadership of the company’s titles focused on the Newton Abbot area.’

He said he was particularly pleased that Sandra had agreed to continue her association with Tindle Newspapers by becoming its regional ambassador.

At a special presentation at the MDA on Wednesday staff queued up to pay their own tributes to ‘a fond and fair boss’.

Senior sales executive Jacqui Titford said: ‘This paper and its group has run on the dedication and passion of its employees – but there has been no one more dedicated and willing to promote the Tindle ethos than Sandra.’

She wished her boss all the very best on her departure – and welcomed her commitment to continue banging the drum for the company she had served so well and loyally.

Sandra, weighed down by a plethora of gifts, replied: ‘I have loved working here. I really cannot thank you all enough for your support through the years. Thank you.’