Doncaster Free Press editor Merrill Diplock is to leave the paper to set up her own press and publicity consultancy business.

Merrill, (45), has edited the Free Press for ten years, and has also been editor-in-chief of South Yorkshire Newspapers Ltd for the past six years. She will step down next week.

She said: "Editing the Free Press is a fantastic job and I've enjoyed some great times here.

"I'm lucky enough to have been surrounded by some very talented colleagues, which has made my job a lot easier."

During Merrill's time at the Doncaster newspaper the title has grown in circulation by 10,000 - making it the 14th biggest selling weekly paper in the country - and it has a 71 per cent share of the 15-24 age group.

And she plans to reveal the secrets of her success as part of her new role, which will see her offering support and advice to publishers, editors and circulation managers working to increase newspaper sales.

The service will be aimed primarily at the weekly market and will also offer workshops on subjects such as how to attract younger readers.

Merrill said: "The paper has enjoyed some hefty sales increases over the last seven or eight years and I'm sure that it will continue to go from strength to strength."

Merrill also plans to spend some of her time writing news reports, features and press releases for the South Yorkshire market.

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