One of Northern Ireland’s most respected journalists has stepped down as editor of Sunday Life — the Belfast Telegraph’s sister paper.

Jim Flanagan, 48, has had a long and distinguished career in journalism — having been associated with the Telegraph for the last 30 years.

Mr Flanagan, Sunday Life editor since 2005, said he had decided to “move on to pastures new” and had no plans to retire.

During his three decades in journalism, he was the Belfast Telegraph’s deputy editor for 10 years and managing editor of the weekly Community Telegraph series.

Before becoming Sunday Life editor, he was the newspaper’s news editor and then deputy editor.

Mr Flanagan said: “After 30 years with the Belfast Telegraph and its associated publications I have decided to explore other opportunities.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my career in journalism from my early days through to more senior editorial positions with the Telegraph and for the last three years as editor of Sunday Life.

“It has also been a lot of fun and in spite of the pressures, I would say journalism remains one of the best jobs in the world”.

Mr Flanagan added that he “intended to stay in the exciting and every-changing world of communications in the years to come.”

Paying tribute, Paul Connolly, group managing editor of Independent News and Media in Northern Ireland, said Mr Flanagan had made a “significant” contribution to both newspapers.

“Jim has played an integral role in both the growth and development of IN&M titles in Northern Ireland, initially with the Belfast Telegraph and latterly as editor of Sunday Life and he has made a significant contribution to both newspapers,” he said

“IN&M would like to put on record its appreciation for his invaluable support and leadership during his time with the company,” said group managing editor, Mr Connolly.