Mark Waldron has been appointed editor of The News in Portsmouth.

Mark (pictured) has been editor of the Swindon Advertiser for three years, overseeing a number of changes and campaigns at the Newsquest title.

Shortly after he joined the paper in 2004 it was given a facelift under the slogan ‘Brighter, Bolder, Better’, and last year it was given a redesign with a new masthead, more colour and new daily features sections.

In 2005 the paper changed its name from the Swindon Evening Advertiser to the Swindon Advertiser, to reflect earlier edition times.

Its campaigns have included Swindon… and Proud of It, to promote the town, Keep Your Kit On, highlighting the importance keeping out of the sun and using protective cream, Support Our Shows, which aims to promote drama in the town, and the Prospect@Home appeal which has so far raised £100,000 for a local hospice.

Mark will begin his new role at Johnston Press-owned The News in Portsmouth in September. It will be a return to his roots as he was brought up in Cowplain, in the paper’s circulation area.

He will report to divisional managing director Gary Fearon.