Chris Lillington has been confirmed as editor of the Daventry Express.

He had been acting editor of the Johnston Press weekly title since January, having been deputy editor since October 2005.

He succeeds Jason Gibbins who is now editor of sister paper the Banbury Guardian.

Chris, (37), said: "It is a privilege to get the opportunity to work here.

"It is a great town and a great newspaper which has a great relationship with the community it serves.

"Clearly I already know the team, which is an added bonus, and we will be working together to take the paper forward."

He added: "It's a strong title in terms of how we cover news, but I do want to make a few changes - give it a makeover, improve the leisure and add more comment with columns and blogs.

"Our website has just been given a fresh look with more capability and there are lots of exciting possibilities."

Before joining the Express, Chris (pictured) had worked at the Leamington Spa Courier, also part of Johnston's Central Counties Newspapers.

He has also worked for the South London Guardian in a variety of roles including news editor and assistant editor, and he began his career on the Mid Devon Gazette in Tiverton.