Brian Aitken is to be the new editor of The Journal in Newcastle.

The 43-year old father-of-four will join the paper after leaving his current position as editorial development manager for Trinity Mirror Regionals.

He has previously held senior positions at the Aberdeen Evening Express, the Daily Record in Scotland and the Lincolnshire Echo.

Before joining the Daily Record, where he was assistant sports editor, Brian edited the Lincolnshire Echo and was previously deputy editor and acting editor of the Aberdeen Evening Express.

His most recent post involved working with editors on major product development initiatives throughout Trinity's regionals division and spreading best practice.

Brian (left) said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to edit one of the country's most respected titles. The Journal is a great newspaper in a fantastic part of the country.

"The region has undergone significant change in recent years and The Journal has been and will continue to be the Voice of the North - a great place to live, work and do business."

Brian who is married with two sons and two daughters, will join The Journal on December 1.

He takes over from Ged Henderson who left the paper in October.

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