Two paid-for weekly titles from the North Wales Newspapers group have new editors in place – and both are products of the company’s in-house training scheme.

Martin Wright has taken over as editor of the Powys County Times after 18 months in the hot seat at sister title the Oswestry & Border Counties Advertizer.

At 24 he was the youngest ever editor of the Oswestry title and at 25 has become the Mid Wales title’s youngest leader. He succeeds Iain St John, who is taking a year out after leading the County Times to second spot in the BT Welsh Weekly Newspaper Awards this year.

Martin’s position at Oswestry has gone to Susan Perry, previously deputy editor on the County Times and a former chief reporter on the Advertizer. She is the title’s first woman editor in its 153-year history.

Both Martin and Susan began their careers at NWN, qualifying from the company’s NVQ training scheme.

Susan said: “It’s a great honour to be made editor of my local newspaper. The Advertizer has an enviable reputation for informing and serving the community.”

And Martin, a former deputy editor on the County Times, said he was delighted to be back.

“I am looking forward to maintaining the newspaper’s position as the leading publication in Mid Wales,” he said.

The County Times is further strengthened by the return of another recruit. Ben Turner, another former trainee, has been appointed deputy editor.

He returns after a spell as a senior reporter on the South Wales Argus at Newport. Last year he was runner-up in the BT Welsh Daily Newspaper Journalist Of The Year Awards.

NWN’s editor-in-chief Graham Breeze is pleased with the appointments and said: “Our titles can only benefit from the professionalism and enthusiasm that these three young journalists bring to their new jobs.

“The fact that all three came through our NVQ training scheme and have gone on to fill senior roles is also very rewarding.”

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