A journalist who began his career in the regional press has been announced at the Press Association’s new training chief.

Mark Wray, pictured left, has been named the new head of PA Training, the agency’s arm responsible for developing journalists.

Mark joins PA from the BBC Academy and will take up his new position from 25 July, replacing Tony Johnston, who is taking a career break.

He began his career on the Dagenham Post in 1980, moving to the Romford Recorder three years later.

In 1985 Mark moved on to the Basildon evening Echo, before switching to local radio and regional television.

He went on to become senior news editor at BBC Radio 5 Live and has spent the past 10 years in training roles with the corporation.

In his new role as Head of PA Training, Mark’s remit will include expanding the reach of PA’s training courses with new online and blended-learning options. He will report to PA chief operating officer Andrew Dowsett.

Said Mark: “I am excited by the opportunity to enhance the reach and reputation of PA Training with new courses and delivery methods to bring in more learners from a range of media professions.”

Added Andrew: “Mark’s excellent credentials in journalism and journalist training speak for themselves, and I am delighted to welcome him to PA Training.

“He joins the business at an exciting time as we explore new modes of delivering high quality journalism training.

“Mark’s insight into learner behaviour and accreditation in the evolving e-learning space will be of particular value to PA Training.”

“I would like to thank Tony Johnston for his service to PA over the last 10 years. He has been unwavering in his commitment to high quality journalism, both here in the PA’s news team and across the industry as a whole.”

Tony said: “I would like to thank the excellent team at PA Training for their part in building the business to the position it’s in today.

“I am delighted that Mark is taking over the leadership of PA Training – the business is being passed on to a great pair of hands as it enters its new phase of growth.”