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Following in the footsteps of one of the biggest names in journalism is a daunting prospect for any applicant, but Roger Borrell is relishing the prospect of joining the Birmingham Evening Mail.

Currently editor of the Lancashire Evening Post, the 46-year-old is set to take over in two weeks.

The Post’s previous editor, Ian Dowell, was presented with a BT Midlands Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Media on his retirement, the first-ever award of its kind.

He is standing down after 35 years at the paper, being editor since 1986.

Roger said on his new role: “It’s a huge challenge, they are big shoes to fill. Ian is highly respected in the journalism industry and has done a fantastic job during his time there.

“I am really looking forward to it though, the newspaper has had its ups and downs recently and I hope to bring in a breath of fresh air.”

Originally from Manchester, Roger took his first steps on the journalism ladder in the South-West, with the Daily Express Group.

After learning the ropes on a few of its regional papers, he built up his experience and CV, doing shift work for the Daily Express in London.

In 1979, he took up the opportunity to return north, taking up a reporting post at the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

He spent 20 years there, rising to industrial editor, news editor and then deputy editor.

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