Michelle Hurst has been promoted to deputy editor at the Grimsby Telegraph.

She has been assistant editor since 2003, joining the paper in 1988 as a trainee reporter before moving into production as a sub-editor and then deputy chief sub.

As design editor from 1999 she oversaw two redesigns of the paper and is well-known as the Hearsay columnist.

She has most recently been on a four month secondment to sister Northcliffe title the Hull and East Riding Mail, where she was involved in the expansion of its Internet sites and the associated multi-media work.

Cleethorpes-born Michelle said: “My appointment as deputy editor makes me even more proud, as we continue to highlight community issues, fight with readers on local issues, help steer initiatives to improve our towns and raise awareness and support for our invaluable charities and services.”

The previous deputy, Nigel Lowther, left to set up a media consultancy business.