The Belfast Telegraph has appointed its first-ever female editor.

Gail Walker has replaced Mike Gilson, who left to take charge of the Brighton Argus in January, as editor of the daily.

Walker started her career as a graduate trainee at the Belfast Telegraph in 1990 and has previously been the paper's deputy editor (features).

She said: "I'm very proud, honoured and excited to be appointed editor of the Belfast Telegraph. It will bring challenges but I'll be working with a great team of journalists and friends."

Managing director Richard McClean said: "This is an exciting and challenging time for newspapers and Gail will lead and continue to drive multi-platform journalism within the Belfast Telegraph.