Jim Parker, deputy editor with Torquay daily the Herald Express, has notched up 30 years of service with the paper.

A special lunch was organised to celebrate the landmark where he was presented with champagne and voucher.

He started his career with the Torquay Times and later worked for the Sunday Independent, Plymouth, and the Daily Mirror Group as a trainee.

Jim has worked under five editors at the Express and held a range of positions including crime reporter, assistant news editor and deputy news editor before taking the deputy’s role three years ago.

The Bureau of Freelance Photographers is publishing the latest edition of its Freelance Photographer’s Market Handbook.

The book lists all the potential UK-based markets which freelance snappers can aim their pitches at.

It was first launched 26 years ago and is re-published every year on 1 October. It costs £16.95 – for details visit the Bureau’s website.

A new textbook designed to help students build their shorthand speed is due to published this autumn.

NCTJ Teeline Gold Standard for Journalists is by Marie Cartwright, chief examiner with the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

It aims to offers a complete guide to learning Teeline and guidance on preparing for exams. Email [email protected] to order an advanced copy.

Multi-tasking appears to be way forward in The Northern Echo newsroom as staff has started a ‘cakeathon’.

Each week a different member of the team brings in a cake for colleagues with editor Peter Barron casting his score on his blog. Each slice is £1 with money going to cancer charity Ovacome.

Sittingbourne Extra, the Km Group’s weekly free title, has increased its pagination and upped editorial content.

It will also provide marketing for the company’s paid-for title in the town, the Sittingbourne Messenger.

It is the latest of the KM Group’s ‘Extra’ title to undergo a revamp.