Magazine group Archant Life has appointed former Birmingham Mail editor Roger Borrell as its North West editor-in-chief.

He joined the company in April as editor of Lancashire Life, the UK's biggest selling regional county magazine.

He will continue to edit the magazine and its sister title Lake District Life while helping to develop the Preston centre's editorial and on-line strategies.

He was previously editor-in-chief of Trinity Mirror Midlands and editor of the Birmingham Evening Mail.

Publisher Andy Phelan said: "Our portfolio of products is expanding quickly and it is vital we have the right people in the right places to ensure our continued success."

The Preston centre recently launched Pure Cheshire, a mid-market glossy aimed at a younger audience.

Cheshire Life, also based in Preston, had promoted senior feature writer Andrew Hobbs to assistant editor, working closely with editor Patrick O'Neill.

Archant Life recently acquired a series of titles in the Midlands from Advent Media.

It took Archant Life's portfolio to 42, reinforcing the company's position as the UK's leading publisher of county magazines.