THE South Wales Argus will have a new Editor tomorrow – but only for 24 hours.

Kevin Ward, who has edited the Argus in print and online since 2012, will be standing down on Friday to be replaced by leading local businessman Simon Gibson OBE.

Mr Gibson is the chief executive of Wesley Clover, which has its European headquarters in Newport; chairman of the Alacrity Foundation, based in the city centre; and chairman of the Re:Newport taskforce set up by the Welsh Government to find ways to revitalise the city.

He will be editing Saturday’s edition after successfully bidding to be ‘Argus Editor for a day’ in a charity auction at the mayor of Newport’s charity ball last year.

Mr Gibson bid more than £1,500 to sit in Mr Ward’s chair for the day. The money was donated to mayor Matthew Evans’ nominated charities, the Teenage Cancer Trust and Newport Sea Cadets.

Mr Gibson intends Saturday’s edition to focus on Newport’s regeneration, and in particular how many of Re:Newport’s recommendations for the city centre are coming to fruition.

Mr Ward said: “I’m delighted Simon will be taking the chair tomorrow and that we managed to raise so much money for the mayor’s charities.

“I know Simon shares my view that Newport’s positives need to be continually highlighted.

“I’m sure Simon will have an interesting day in our digital newsroom – and I can only hope he isn’t too good at the job!”