Paul Brackley is the new editor of the Hertfordshire Mercury series of newspapers.

Paul, (pictured right), who was previously deputy editor, has stepped up to take charge of the weekly Mercury titles, which are based in Hertford.

He joined the Mercury as a reporter in February 2000 and progressed to chief reporter and then news editor, before being appointed deputy editor earlier this year.

Paul said: “I am delighted to take up this role and look forward to working with all my colleagues to ensure the newspapers are both authoritative and enjoyable reads every week. I am also determined to continue our work on enhancing links with the communities we represent.”

Colin Grant, group editor-in-chief of Herts & Essex Newspapers, who has also been editing the Mercury for the past year, said: “I am sure Paul will be an excellent editor of the Mercury series and I know he is relishing the challenge of editing what are very much his hometown newspapers.”

The Mercury sells around 28,000 copies a week.