Adrian Braddy has been appointed editor of the Teesdale Mercury in County Durham.

Previously deputy editor at the weekly paper, Adrian has taken over from Matthew Mills who has moved to Bristol for family reasons.

Adrian said: "Although it is a blow that Matthew had to leave, I relish the opportunity to continue the work that we have been doing here to give Teesdale the newspaper it deserves."

Before joining the Mercury, Adrian had spent two separate stints at the Galloway Gazette in South West Scotland, most recently as chief reporter, and also worked at the Hartlepool Mail as its council and politics reporter.

Adrian has already got to work in his new role, and has slightly tweaked the design of the Barnard Castle paper, as well as introducing a new farm and country section and reinstating a weekly leader column.

Lord Barnard, owner of the independent newspaper, said: "I am saddened by Matthew's decision, however I do understand that he has no option but to put his family first.

"I have every confidence that Adrian will continue to uphold the Teesdale Mercury's proud tradition of quality."

Matthew has now returned to his previous job at the Bristol Evening Post.

He said: "I have enjoyed immensely editing the Teesdale Mercury and am proud of our achievements so far. However a difficult family situation means I have no option but to return to Bristol."

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