Clare Bourke has been appointed editor of Review and Observer Newspapers in St Albans.

Currently deputy editor of the Bucks Free Press, she takes over the role from Deborah Williams in January.

Clare, (right), has worked for the Free Press and Times Group for five years, joining as deputy news editor and then becoming news editor and group news editor, before being appointed to her current position in November 2002.

Before joining the Newsquest publishing group, Clare worked as a trainee and senior reporter for the Bury Free Press, a weekly newspaper owned by Johnston Press.

She said: "I have had a fantastic five years at the Bucks Free Press and have been able to follow many excellent opportunities.

"I will miss many of the people I have worked with in High Wycombe but am looking forward to starting my new role and working with a new team."

Clare, (30), lives in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, with her partner and two stepdaughters.

Newsquest Hertfordshire & Middlesex group editor Peter Wilson-Leary said: "I'm delighted Clare is joining us.

"We have an excellent editorial team in place at St Albans and I am sure that under Clare's leadership our newspapers will enjoy further success."

Review and Observer Newspapers publish the paid-for St Albans Observer and the free St Albans Review and Welwyn/Hatfield Review.

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