A journalist who stepped up to be acting editor of a daily-turned-weekly following a management reshuffle has been confirmed in the role.

Mel West, pictured, has been handed the editor’s job at the Lincolnshire Echo on a permanent basis, publisher Local World has announced.

It completes a 15-year rise through the ranks for Mel who first joined the title as a reporter in 1999.

Since then she has filled the roles of news editor, business editor, content editor and finally acting editor.

Said Mel: “As a true Lincolnshire Yellowbelly, I am both proud and privileged to be given the chance to edit the newspaper I grew up reading.

“I’ve spent 15 years at the Echo, during which time I’ve learnt the ropes from some incredibly talented and inspiring people and I hope my stint in the Editor’s chair will do them justice.

“I can genuinely say that I couldn’t wish for a more supportive, dedicated and passionate team. I am excited about the opportunities on the horizon.”

Mel has been carrying out the role of editor since her predecessor Steven Fletcher stepped up to the role of publisher at Lincolnshire Media.

Steven took over from Richard Duxbury who moved to Cambridge to run LW’s Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire titles.

Added Steven: “I’m confident Mel has everything it takes to be an excellent editor of her home-town newspaper.

“She has been a key player in the Lincolnshire Echo’s successful transition to an award-winning weekly, she knows Lincolnshire inside out and is ideally placed to ensure we are delivering the content that people want.”