Paul Connolly has been appointed deputy editor of the Belfast Telegraph.

He has been news editor since 1998.

After a spell at the Co Down Spectator, he moved to the Sunday News and then the News Letter.

In 1996, Paul joined the Belfast Telegraph, working as security correspondent and political correspondent before joining the news desk in 1998.

He has also worked freelance for publications such as Time magazine and the News of the World.

Editor Martin Lindsay said: "Paul is a first rate and experienced journalist — just the person I need to help drive the Telegraph forward.

"We have quite a number of new initiatives in the pipeline, which will require considerable input from Paul and I have no doubt that he will rise to the occasion."

Paul said of his appointment: "Northern Ireland is changing and so is the Belfast Telegraph.

"The entire media landscape is being transformed — locally, nationally and internationally — and, in an ultracompetitive world, we must ensure our products are creative and compelling."