Yorkshire Post editor Peter Charlton has been co-opted as a member of the board of directors of the Society of Editors.

He has been editor of the Leeds-based paper since 2004, and had previously edited the Sheffield Star for more than 12 years.

In November 2004 he received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University for his services to the city.

His appointment to the SoE board is subject to ratification by members at its Annual General Meeting, which will be held during its annual conference in November.

The board is currently chaired by SoE president Charles McGhee, and membership is initially for three years.

Other members include former CN Group editorial director Keith Sutton, Trinity Mirror's regionals editorial director Neil Benson, Manchester Evening News editor Paul Horrocks and Nigel Pickover, editor of the Evening Star in Ipswich.

Peter is also chairman of Johston Press's Editorial Review Group, and before moving to Sheffield had edited The Gazette in Blackpool and was deputy editor of the Lancashire Evening Post.