A regional newspaper company boss will tomorrow follow in the footsteps of both her father and grandfather by becoming president of the Newspaper Society.

KM Group chairman Geraldine Allinson becomes the Society’s second female president, taking over from Trinity Mirror Regionals managing director Georgina Harvey.

Geraldine is the third generation of her family to take the title, following her grandfather, HR Pratt Boorman, in 1960, and father, Edwin Boorman, in 2001.

The family-owned KM Group’s connection with the NS goes back even further – Geraldine’s great-grandfather Barham Pratt Boorman was a committee member in the 1920s.

Said Geraldine:  “I look forward to building on Georgina’s excellent work in promoting the crucial role of local media during my tenure as NS president.

“There is much comment about the challenges facing local newspapers and, indeed, all media sectors today, but the simple fact is that no other media can replicate the local press. Our newspapers scrutinise those in authority, support local businesses and campaign on behalf of our readers.

“We know that, in tough economic times, the importance of community becomes greater than ever as people seek out a sense of belonging and connection.

“Local papers are the only medium which can really provide this, which is why our readers are increasingly turning to us for help, for trusted and relevant local news and information, and to give voice to their concerns.”

A mother of two, Geraldine began her career in local media at the Express & Star in 1986 and also held various newspaper sales roles with Northcliffe Media.

She joined the KM Group as development manager in 1993 and took over the chairmanship from her father, now the deputy lord lieutenant of Kent, in 2006.

Archant chief executive Adrian Jeakings becomes NS vice president and treasurer.

A new NS president is elected from the membership every year in July.