Deputy editor of the Shields Gazette Joy Yates has been named editor of sister paper the Hartlepool Mail.
Yates joined the Gazette in 1988 working in various roles before becoming deputy four years ago.
She said: “I have enjoyed 18 rewarding years at my hometown newspaper and I am thrilled to have been given this fantastic opportunity with my first editorship.”
Gazette editor John Szymanski said: “I am delighted that Joy has fulfilled her ambition to become an editor. I thank her for her hard work and dedication, and I am sure she will prove to be a big success in her new role.”
Yates will take up her new role next week.
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