A long-serving evening paper executive has become the latest recruit for Blackpool-based PR agency GDR.

Lancashire Telegraph assistant editor Andrew Turner has spent the last two years masterminding the Newsquest title’s online and news video output and is an accomplished cameraman and video editor.

During his stint running the newsdesk, the Telegraph won the Newsquest newspaper of the year award and was nominated for several other awards for its campaigns and investigations.

GDR managing director Richard Baguley said: “Andrew has masterminded the Telegraph’s news coverage for several years and his experience, as well as his in-depth knowledge of the region and its businesses, will be a great asset.”

In his new role, he will be focusing on business development and using video and new media to further enhance the services GDR offers as well as working with existing clients.

GDR was established in 1999 and has a proven track record in the property, food and drink, tourism and leisure, and retail sectors.

Its clients include Corona Extra beer, which it has helped turn from a niche brand into one of the best selling bottled beers in the UK, and the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

Andrew’s appointment comes 12 months after the agency moved into new offices at Whitehills Business Park, just off junction four of the M55, and as the company gears up to celebrate its 10th anniversary early next year.