Chris Styles, (right), has been promoted to deputy editor of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

He moved there two years ago from the Evening Gazette on Teesside, where he was news editor. He held the same position at the Express & Echo in Exeter, and also worked for the Nottingham Evening Post and the Bolton Evening News.

Mick Smith, currently assistant editor (news), is promoted to Chris’s previous position of senior assistant editor.

Mick, (right), joined the Chronicle as a reporter from the Hexham Courant in 1987 and has held several posts, including news editor.

Editor Paul Robertson said: "I am delighted with the appointments at a time when there is a real optimism about the paper.

"Both Chris and Mick have demonstrated a great deal of ability and I am confident they will play a significant role in developing the paper in terms of content, promotions, production processes and, most importantly of all, newspaper sales."

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk