August 4, 2011updated 14 Sep 2012 5:28pm

Darren Thwaites is new editor of Newcastle Chronicle

Teesside Evening Gazette editor Darren Thwaites has been named as the new editor of the Evening Chronicle in Newcastle.

Both titles are published by Trinity Mirror. Thwaites has been at Middlesbrough-based Evening Gazette since 2005.

He takes over at the Chronicle following the departure of editor Paul Robertson – who left after seeing through the switch to overnight printing which saw the Chronicle become a morning publication. In June Trinity Mirror announced the loss of up to 11 editorial jobs at the Chronicle.

Trinity Mirror regionals editorial director Neil Benson said: "I am delighted that Darren will be leading the Chronicle through the next phase of its development.

'He has an outstanding mix of editorial skills, spanning print and digital. He has done a superb job at the Evening Gazette and I'm sure the Chronicle will go from strength to strength under his leadership.'

Thwaites has previously worked as editorial development manager for Trinity Mirror Regionals, deputy editor of the Aberdeen Evening Express and associate editor of the Daily Post Wales.

He said: "The Chronicle is an iconic brand in a great city and I'm delighted to have been given such an exciting opportunity.

'At the same time, I'll be sad to leave Teesside after six thoroughly enjoyable years. I'd like to thank my team for their support and for the high standards they continue to set."

Trinity Mirror said it has now begun the recruitment process for a new editor of the Evening Gazette.