A former news editor at a weekly newspaper has joined forces with a former Fleet Street journalist to launch a new PR agency.

Vic Gibson, a former news editor and sports editor at The Cumberland News, has set up Citadel PR with Nick Brownlee, a former freelance journalist for national newspapers and magazines, who is also a crime writer.

The Carlisle-based agency will generate news for digital, print and broadcast outlets, along with writing copy for websites, newsletters and brochures and offering media training.

Vic has been a self-employed public relations and media consultant for the last five years and his clients have included Carlisle Racecourse, Tesco and Carlisle United.

He told the North West Evening Mail: “There are plenty of success stories right across the county but it’s not always the Cumbrian way to tell the world how good you are.

“For some, it’s enough just to know they are doing a good job. We think it’s time to change that approach and get the message out to a wider audience to drive up revenue.”

Vic and Nick are directors of the new company, which already has its first client.

Nick started out in the regional press before working for The People then later becoming a freelance journalist. He has written a number of crime novels, along with some non-fiction works.