A former journalist on a regional daily has landed a new role with the Bank of England in which he will help set UK interest rates.

Andrew Hebden, left, was assistant editor and head of business at The Journal until joining the Confederation of British Industry’s North East office last year.

Now he is joining the Bank of England as its deputy agent for the North-East – effectively the Bank’s eyes and ears in the region.

In his new role, Andrew will assess economic conditions in the region and report back to the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee ahead of its monthly rate-setting meeting.

Said Andrew: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the CBI and it has been a privilege to represent the interests of some of the most successful businesses in the region.

“Although I am moving to an exciting new role in a very different institution, I see the remit as much the same -­ to do what I can to help the North East economy.”

Andrew, 34, will work alongside the Bank’s agent for the North East, Rosie Smith, and will start his role in August.

The 12 regional agents are the Bank’s eyes and ears, providing information about regional economic trends and assessing business conditions before reporting back to the MPC.

A graduate of Durham University, Andrew spent 11 years in regional journalism, working in reporting and editing roles at newspapers in Yorkshire, Scotland and the North East.

Rosie Smith said: “I’m really pleased that Andrew will be joining the Bank’s team in the North East.  His knowledge and understanding of the region and its businesses will be very valuable to us. “