Journalist Nikki Sargeson leaves holdthefrontpage today to take up a new role in marketing and communications.

She will start work soon at Derbyshire Sport, based in Ripley.

The partnership includes agencies from the local community, education and sports, working together with the aim of making sport a part of everyone's life.

Nikki, (27), has been with holdthefrontpage since 2001, having started work at the Derby Evening Telegraph as a researcher in August 2000.

During her time with the website she has played a part in winning three major awards, including Best Overall Journalism Service at the European Online Journalism Awards in 2002 and Best Niche Internet Site – Commercial, at the 2004 Newspaper Society Digital Media Awards.

She said: "I'm looking forward to getting stuck in to my new role and the challenges it will bring.

"However, I am going to be very sad to leave HTFP. During seven years here in Derby I have made some great friends and received a tremendous amount of help and support.

"I have also enjoyed working with our regional press colleagues from across the UK, and I'm sorry I can't thank everyone personally, but I really do appreciate their help over the years."

Holdthefrontpage publisher Patrick Astill said: "Nikki will be difficult to replace - she is a perfect foil for our more chaotic moments.

"She's brought in a lot of stories we would otherwise have missed, and made some very good contacts, who I am sure will miss her.

"They won't miss her as much as we will, and everyone here wishes her well in her new career."