Northcliffe Media has announced a new editor for its Yeovil-based weekly the Western Gazette.

Emma Slee, left, currently head of content at the Somerset title, steps up to the editor’s chair in place of Lynne Fernquest, who has moved to edit the Bath Chronicle.

A journalist for the past 17 years, Emma joined Northcliffe in 2000 as deputy news editor at the North Devon Journal.

She has since worked in a number of editorial roles around the group including content editor at the Exeter Express and Echo and acting news editor at the Derby Telegraph. She was appointed head of content for the Western Gazette in 2008.

Said Emma: ‘I am thrilled to have been given the chance to build on what Lynne Fernquest and the Western Gazette team have achieved over the past two years, both commercially and editorially.

“The Western Gazette brand is already strong and I look forward to developing it further to ensure every edition is vibrant, relevant and entertaining – as well as the trustworthy source of news that readers over the decades have come to love us for.

Gazette managing director Sarah Pullen added: “Over the past four years, Emma has been totally dedicated and committed to the development of content in the Western Gazette.  She has truly developed her career in this role and I am delighted that we have made an internal appointment as part of our succession plan.

“Emma’s enthusiasm, drive and determination will continue the good work of Lynne Fernquest and the team at the Western Gazette.”