A former regional press journalist has launched her own communications business.

Leanne English, a former Hartlepool Mail business reporter, has set up LEC Consultancy, which aims to provide a wide range of communications services to businesses and organisations.

The business will be run from her home in Peterlee and has been launched with funding from the European Regional Development Fund and help from the East Durham Business Service.

Leanne, left. started out in journalism at the News Guardian in Whitley Bay before moving to the Mail. She later became a press officer, working at One North East for four years then as PR manager for local enterprise partnership Tees Valley Unlimited, followed by a year at a communications agency.

Leanne said: “I knew that after 12 years working as a journalist and public relations professional, I had the skills and expertise to work for myself.

“I know running my business is going to be extremely tough and challenging, but I’m prepared for the hard work and long hours which will be needed to make it a success. It’s just so exciting for me that I’m actually realising my dream.”