VIZ editor Simon Donald is quitting the cult comic to launch a comedy writing career.

His decision means the comic, famous for its near-the-knuckle humour, will for the first time be run by staff born outside the North-East.

Mr Donald leaves Viz on November 30 with co-editor Alex Collier, and the pair are setting up their own business.

They are already working on a TV game show with comedian Gavin Webster, a book and material for radio.

"It's the end of an era, true, but this is an exciting time for Alex and me," said Mr Donald, 39. "I'm sure most readers won't notice a change."

Mr Donald has been in charge of Viz since 2000 when his brother, Chris, left the comic.

The pair started it as school pals in 1979, with friend Jim Brownlow, working from a room in Mr Donald's family home in Jesmond, Newcastle.

Mr Donald insisted Viz would not change under the creative team of Graham Dury, born in Nottingham, Simon Thorp, from West Yorkshire, and Davey Jones, who grew up in Wales.

"None of them are Geordies but they've lived here for years and have been drawing characters like Biffa Bacon for years, so there'll be no change," he said.

The two outgoing creators will start work immediately on their television show and a book sending up romance photo-stories.

"We're very lucky because everyone we've spoken to so far is really keen to get involved. Ant and Dec say they've always wanted to be in a photo romance."

Mr Donald admitted that it would feel odd to leave Viz, but said: "It will be strange but it's not the end of Viz . . . the comic is still as strong as ever."