New regional editorial directors have been appointed at Northcliffe Newspapers as further changes are made across the group.

The group was split into regionals after the Aberdeen centre was sold off to DC Thomson last month, with regional managing directors appointed.

Staff across the country were being briefed on the changes, which affect the daily titles, in meetings this morning.

The role of the regional editorial directors is to ensure that editorial departments across the company's new regions are operating efficiently.

They will look for copy sharing opportunities and will also lead internet initiatives to develop and enhance the news content of Northcliffe's "thisis" websites.

John Meehan has been promoted to oversee the North East area, which includes his own newspaper the Hull & East Riding Daily Mail, as well as the Grimsby Telegraph, Scunthorpe Telegraph and Lincolnshire Echo.

Alan Qualtrough takes on the new role covering four titles in the South West, where he is already editor-in-chief at Plymouth. His other centres include Torquay and Exeter.

Mike Norton, editor-in-chief at the Bristol Evening Post and Western Daily Press is appointed to take charge of the West division, covering Bristol, the Bath Chronicle, Gloucestershire Echo, the Citizen and South Wales Evening Post.

There has been no appointment for the Midlands area, which includes Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Tamworth. An announcement is expected shortly.

Several geographical regions were created as it was announced that Northcliffe was to merge with Associated Newspapers.

The sale of Aberdeen Journals Limited to DC Thomson & Company Limited was completed on Monday.