A new editor has been appointed to a Newsquest weekly following the retirement of her long-serving predecessor.

Hayley Smith, 37, is to take charge of the Warrington Guardian, succeeding Nicola Priest who too early retirement in September after 27 years with the company.

Mum-of-two Hayley, pictured, first joined Newsquest as a trainee reporter at the Northwich Guardian in 1999 andn now becomes the Guardian’s 16th editor.

She has since worked in a variety of roles, including chief reporter, sub editor and features editor, as well as deputy editor for both the Mid Cheshire and Warrington Guardians.

Most recently Hayley has been Warrington’s multimedia editor as well as editor of the Runcorn & Widnes World and Leigh Journal.

She said: “It is a real privilege for me to edit the Warrington Guardian, not only in terms of our printed newspapers but also our rapidly expanding websites.

“There is so much to shout about in our fantastic town – our recent Inspiration Awards are testament to that – and the incredible FA Cup win for Warrington Town is something we can all be proud of.

“This week’s edition is, I hope, a reflection of that pride and the support shown on Friday night, and I hope everyone will join the Warrington Guardian in continuing to back the club as it gears up for their second round tie against Gateshead next month.”