A former regional daily editor has taken up a new role as press officer for a professional body.

Richard Bettsworth, who edited the Leicester Mercury for three years, took to Twitter to announce his new appointment as media officer at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).

The ASCL, the professional association and trade union for the leaders of secondary schools and colleges, is also based in Leicester.

Richard, pictured left, began his role there on Wednesday.

On his personal Twiter account, he wrote: “Started new job today as media officer at Association of School and College Leaders in Leicester. Great organisation and fantastic welcome.”

Richard began his journalism career at The News, Portsmouth, in 1990 and served as deputy editor at the Mercury under Nick Carter and Keith Perch.

He took on the editorship in October 2011 after Keith left the role, but his own departure from the Local World title was announced in August last year.

Richard was replaced by Burton Mail editor Kevin Booth.