The editor of Blackpool daily The Gazette is heading up the M6 to take over as boss of Carlisle’s News & Star.

David Helliwell, left, who has edited The Gazette since 2003, replaces Neil Hodgkinson, who was poached by Northcliffe earlier this year to run the Hull Daily Mail.

The appointment, announced this morning, has been one of the most sought-after in the regional press in recent years.

The job was advertised on HoldtheFrontPage and is understood to have attracted attention from several industry ‘big-hitters’ including other current and former daily editors.

David’s role will also include the editorship of the News & Star’s sister weekly the Cumberland News.

Before joining The Gazette, the 43-year-old father-of-two had previously worked at both the Yorkshire Evening Post and Lancashire Evening Post.

He said today:  “I owe huge thanks to all at Blackpool for their immense dedication and support during what has been an incredibly challenging and rewarding time.

“It will be a wrench to leave but opportunities like this do not come along every day. I look forward to joining the team in Carlisle and helping ensure CN’s titles prosper and evolve whilst remaining true to the communities they serve.”

CN Group chief executive Robin Burgess said: “I’m delighted we have attracted someone with the experience and talent David has to join our group in what remain challenging but exciting times for our industry.”

He said David’s starting date will be announced shortly.