A Midlands daily newspaper is to get a new editor from next week after the existing news chief was promoted to the role of managing director.

Neil White, left, is to take over from Steve Hall as editor of the Derby Telegraph from Monday when Steve moves into the MD’s chair.

Currently the Telegraph’s deputy editor, Neil has been at the paper for the past six years after moving from the Nottingham Post where he was successively head of content, then assistant editor.

He was also a previous news editor of the news agency UK News, set up by Northcliffe and other regional press groups in opposition to the Press Association in the early 1990s.

Neil’s appointment as editor was announced to staff at Derby this afternoon and greeted with applause from the newsroom.

In his new role, Neil will continue to report to Steve, who retains overall responsibility for editorial strategy.

He will not be replaced as deputy editor, but chief sub-editor Ian Croson will take on the role of deputising for him during holiday periods, while Gordon Wilson will remain as night editor.

Said Steve: “I’m delighted that Neil is to take over as editor. He is one of the best newsmen that I have worked with in 30 years but he has also made a telling contribution in other areas of the business.

“He is a terrific spotter and developer of talent, has helped raise the paper’s profile through our Community Champions and Telegraph Summer Smile initiatives and has a keen commercial antenna.”

Added Neil: ‘I am delighted to be given the chance to lead a brilliant, award-winning team. I’ve been honoured to play a part at a paper which has built a reputation as a fierce campaigner for the community. Rest assured, this approach will continue.”

Steve is taking over as Derby MD in succession to Michelle Gesell who is moving to the same role at Northcliffe’s Staffordshire Newspapers centre in Stoke.