A former news editor at a regional daily has left the industry after 17 years to move into PR.

Graeme Patfield, left, joined south coast PR consultancy Polymedia earlier this month after 10 years at The News in Portsmouth, where he was news editor.

He joined the consultancy, which is based in Fareham in Hampshire, as a senior consultant working on regional, national, broadcast and specialist media campaigns, as well as taking a lead in Polymedia’s social media specialism.

Graeme has worked for The News since 2003 and previously worked in Sussex and London, including as news editor of the Islington Gazette.

He said: “I’ve had a brilliant time in the newspaper industry and now I’m very much looking forward to using my knowledge of the media in this new stage of my career.

“Polymedia is a highly regarded consultancy with a reputation second to none. I’m delighted to be joining the team.”

In his new role, Graeme will work with a broad range of clients including those in legal, commercial and tourism sectors.

Jo Kedward, director and co-owner of Polymedia, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Graeme to the team. After a number of new client wins we were looking to expand the team with high calibre appointments and we have certainly achieved that in Graeme.

“He brings with him such a wealth of experience from his time in the newspaper industry and at a level which is invaluable to us.”