A new editor has been appointed to lead a regional daily after spending 17 years with its sister newspaper.

Trinity Mirror has announced the appointment of “top talent” Wayne Ankers to the editorship of the Huddersfield Daily Examiner in succession to Roy Wright, who is leaving after 15 years in the post.

Wayne, 40, is currently associate editor (content) of the Examiner’s TM stablemate, the Manchester Evening News.

While at the MEN, TM says he has played a key role in the development of online news coverage and has helped propel its website into its position as the largest regional news site in the UK.

Wayne, pictured above left, began his career at the Rochdale Observer in 1998 before moving to the MEN’s syndication department two years later, where he eventually rose to run a team of five people.

He was promoted onto the MEN news desk in 2005 and worked as an assistant news editor for almost ten years until he became associate editor (content) in 2014.

Said Wayne: “I have absolutely loved my time at the MEN. It really has been a privilege to lead such a team of talented journalists and to be involved in some of the biggest stories, not just in Manchester but in the country.

“There are too many major news breaks to mention but I will never forget the day Dale Cregan shot dead two women police officers or being the night news editor when riots broke out in Greater Manchester in 2011.

“I have also learnt so much about digital development over the past few years. My colleagues know that I like new challenges as well as having a soft spot for Yorkshire.

“I have been given a fantastic opportunity to now lead the team as editor of the Huddersfield Examiner and it is one I hope to tackle with the same hunger and desire I have shown for every role I’ve had in my career.”

Wayne will join the Examiner on 27 February.

Neil Benson, Trinity Mirror’s editorial director for regionals, said: “Wayne’s energy, enthusiasm and outstanding all-round skills are great for the Examiner which, under Roy’s excellent leadership, is in very good shape. I know Wayne will grab this terrific opportunity with both hands.”

Rob Irvine, editor in chief of the MEN and Huddersfield Examiner, added: “Roy is a tough act to follow but in Wayne, the Examiner will have one of the best of Trinity Mirror’s emerging crop of top talent.

“He has proved himself as a great print and digital journalist and as an inspiring leader. I wish him and the Examiner every success.”