A Local World publisher who managed a number of newspaper and magazine titles has left the company.

Penny Whitelock was publisher at Stafford and Cradley Heath and titles under her charge included weekly newspapers the Staffordshire Newsletter and the Black Country Bugle and the Staffordshire Life magazine.

During her two years with the business, she also oversaw the launch of wedding magazine Staffordshire Bride.

Penny left Local World last Friday to pursue other interests and Fiona Shaw, currently in charge of the Burton Mail and associated publications, will take over the management of her titles.

An internal announcement from executive director Mike Richardson said: “Penny has been with the business for two years and in that time has overseen the launch of the successful wedding magazine, Staffordshire Bride, the turnaround of Staffordshire Life magazine and led from the front on the newspapers, Staffordshire Newsletter and Black Country Bugle.

“She leaves to pursue other interests and we wish her well in the future. Fiona Shaw will assume responsibility for the whole of SNL until further notice.”