Picture of Paul Hutchinson, Bedford Clanger

Paul Hutchinson, Bedford Clanger

Paul Hutchinson is the Bedford Independent's editor and contributor to the Bedford Clanger, he is an accredited ethical journalist and sits on the IMPRESS Code Committee.

An experienced journalist, editor and local media leader with more than 25 years’ experience in newsrooms, publishing and digital media, Paul first came to Bedford as a journalist and deputy editor at Chiltern FM, reading the news each morning on the Andy Gelder Breakfast Show.

He later worked in PR and communications across Bedfordshire local government, the legal sector, and Charles Wells, before co-founding Progress Publishing, the company behind the Bedford Independent and Bedford Clanger.

As editor of the Bedford Independent, Paul leads the title’s editorial direction with a strong focus on accuracy, transparency, accountability and community impact. His approach is ethics-first and rooted in the belief that local news should inform, scrutinise and serve the people it represents.

Alongside his journalism, Paul is involved in Bedford’s civic and charitable life. He sits on the executive committee of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends and is a founding member and current vice president of the Rotary Club of River Great Ouse.

Paul’s work is driven by a simple principle: journalism should be useful, accurate and accountable, helping to build a better-informed and more connected community.

Read more from Paul

Everything you need to know as Bedford River Festival returns next month

Bedford River Festival returns on 18 and 19 July with dragon boats, raft races, live music, classic cars, watersports and family entertainment. Thousands of people are expected to descend on...

Win Tom Grennan, Paul Weller, UB40 and Deacon Blue tickets in Bedford indie business challenge

The Bedford Independent, Bedford Summer Sessions and four local businesses are giving away tickets and Retreat upgrades through a town-wide riddle challenge...

Tom Grennan Bedford Park line-up completed as Fiona-Lee joins bill

Fiona-Lee has joined Brooke Combe on the line-up for Tom Grennan’s Bedford Park homecoming show this summer, with final tickets now on sale. The Bedford-born singer will...

Global superstar Harry Styles chooses independent Bedford coffee shop for a midweek pick-me-up

One of the world’s biggest pop stars was spotted enjoying a quiet coffee in Bedford town centre this morning (Wednesday). Harry Styles surprised staff at Bedford’s No. 7 Coffee House...

Bedford Borough’s quacky tradition returns as Duck Dash turns 30

The 30th annual Eileen Wade Primary School Duck Dash will take place in Upper Dean on Saturday, 21 March 2026, with 1,700 ducks racing down the village brook followed by a family fete...

“Bedford boy’s coming home”: Why it may be the last chance to hear some of Tom Grennan’s older tracks live

Ahead of his Bedford Park show, Tom Grennan shares why Bedford will always be home and hints some songs may be played live for the last time. When Tom Grennan talks about Bedford...

‘Evolution, not revolution’: ahead of his Bedford gig, Geoff Norcott talks masculinity, mental health and Basic Bloke 2

Ahead of his Bedford show, Geoff Norcott explains how Basic Bloke 2 tackles modern masculinity, mental health and male friendships without turning comedy into a lecture...

Support acts announced for Paul Weller’s Bedford Park return

Miles Kane and rising Manchester band Arkayla have been confirmed as special guests for Paul Weller’s Bedford Park show as part of TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions...

Food review: Dadaji’s – South Asian cuisine in Castle Lane

We’ve watched the team behind Dadaji’s evolve their offering over the years, and it really feels like they’ve found their sweet spot with this one. Right in the heart of town, Dadaji’s isn’t...

Fans, venues and local heroes shine in Bedford’s “love letter” to Tom Grennan

Bedford fans, businesses and community groups star in a new Tom Grennan ‘Remind Me’ video, created by Cuffe & Taylor ahead of his 2026 Bedford Park homecoming...

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.