I'm an experienced newspaper editor and journalist, having been in charge of the Teesdale Mercury since 2011. I have had previous roles as a reporter and sub-editor for weekly and daily newspapers in the UK and in New Zealand.I have a leading role in the direction of the Teesdale Mercury, a well-respected weekly newspaper that's bucking the trend by increasing its readership, quality and staffing levels. The newspaper has undergone significant change, moving from a black and white 18-page broadsheet in 2015 to a full-colour compact newspaper with editions running up to 80 pages.We have launched regular supplements including a monthly farming pullout. I help to shape the publication’s community engagement and I am responsible for digital and social media content. I am the public face of a trusted family business – one of the few independent newspapers in the UK – and I have the final legal and ethical responsibility for the newspaper. I’m also responsible for enhancing the Teesdale Mercury's reputation though events such as our Pride of Teesdale Community Awards. I'm passionate about the community and local news. My love for telling people's stories remains as strong now as the day I first started out. I'm a good photographer too.Specialties: Editorial, reporting, photography, newspaper design and sub-editing, social media, community and campaigns.Visit facebook.com/teesdalemercury/