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

Sugababes bring exclusive UK show to Bedford Borough’s Tofte Manor

Iconic girl group Sugababes will headline Labyrinth Open Air at Tofte Manor in Bedfordshire on 5 July, in what organisers say is their only UK show, with Groove Armada also confirmed on the bill...

Review: Fuego is perfect for a lunch that’s fast, fresh and full of Spanish flavour

If you work in town, you’ll know the holy trinity of a good lunch: quick, good value and reliably on time. Fuego understands that perfectly, and their lunch menu hits all three without losing the magic...

Bedford River Festival 2026 invites traders, caterers and charities to apply for pitches

Traders, caterers and charities are being invited to apply for pitches at Bedford River Festival 2026, following a record 300,000 visitors at this year’s free two-day event. Applications are now open...

Christmas lights, live music and festive markets to fill Bedford town centre and beyond this winter

Bedford Borough Council has announced a packed programme of festive family events, starting with the Christmas Light Switch-On in Harpur Square on Saturday 22 November and continuing...

Bedford’s Christmas Tree Festival marks 25 years of fundraising and festive joy

Bedford’s Christmas Tree Festival celebrates its 25th year with 70 decorated trees, live music, and festive events at St Paul’s Church, raising funds for local charities...

Young Bedfordshire entrepreneur named Business Content Creator of the Year

Bedfordshire’s Jo Bolton, founder of Flourish Social Hub, has been named Business Content Creator of the Year 2025 for her work helping small businesses grow with confidence and creativity...

New Greek café adds Mediterranean flavour to Bedford’s Castle Road

A new Greek café has opened on Castle Road, bringing authentic Cretan food, desserts, and coffee to Bedford. Cozy Greek Coffee Shop, Deli & Desserts is open seven days a week...

5 Akhis expands to Bedford with new halal burger restaurant on Castle Lane

Halal burger brand 5 Akhis has opened a new restaurant on Castle Lane, Bedford. Founded in Milton Keynes in 2020, the chain is known for its bold flavours and community focus...

Bedford’s Tom Grennan returns home for massive Summer Sessions headline gig

Bedford-born star Tom Grennan will headline TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions 2026 at Bedford Park on Saturday, 4 July, a huge homecoming for the chart-topping artist...

Johnny Hates Jazz frontman Clark Datchler on music, the planet and playing Bedford Esquires

Johnny Hates Jazz frontman Clark Datchler tells the Bedford Clanger how nature inspires his songwriting and why musicians should inspire, not lecture. When Shattered Dreams...

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.