Regional press stalwart and former HoldtheFrontPage publisher Patrick Astill has landed a new role in charge of PR for a specialist toy retailer.

Patrick, left, who ran this site for eight years until 2008, has been appointed public relations co-ordinator of The Dolls House Emporium.

The Derbyshire-based business was established in 1979 and is now the UK’s leading designer and supplier of doll’s houses and miniature collectables.

Patrick will work with the existing marketing and customer services teams to help raise the company’s profile and market new products and initiatives.

He said: “I’m involved in some big plans for next year so it’s a very exciting time to be joining The Dolls House Emporium. There are a number of key projects that everyone here is looking forward to making public and I’m ready to be part of what’s going to be a whirlwind year!

“I’m already back in touch with some old colleagues and contacts from my HoldtheFrontPage days and it’s good to know they’ve managed to survive these difficult times.”

Managing director Jackie Lee said: “We have a track record of getting the right message to the right audience and that’s now more important than ever to the ongoing development of the company.

“Patrick will help us maximise the effectiveness of all the media channels we use and I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome him.”

A former reporter at the Lincolnshire Echo, Bristol Evening Post and Nottingham Post, Patrick also had a previous spell in PR with Boots the Chemists.

Snice leaving HTFP he has worked at both the Lincolnshire Echo and the Derby Telegraph as a features writer.