Derby Telegraph editor Neil White is to take overall editorial charge of sister daily the Burton Mail in addition to his existing role, it was announced today.

Former Mail editor Kevin Booth started his new job at the Leicester Mercury yesterday following the abrupt departure of Richard Bettsworth after three years in the post last month.

Kevin’s successor in Burton will be his former deputy, Emma Turton, reporting to Neil, left, as editor-in-chief of the Derby and Burton business unit.

The promotions were announced today by Local World, which publishes both titles.

Neil became editor in Derby two years ago after seven years in the deputy editor role, having previously held senior positions at the Nottingham Post and UK News.

Under his editorship the Telegraph has won numerous national and regional awards as well as growing its web audience.

Said Neil:  “I look forward to supporting Emma and the teams in Burton and Uttoxeter as we seek to further enhance the quality of our newspapers and websites.

“The newspaper sales performance and overall print and digital audience growth achieved in recent times in East Staffordshire reflects the commitment of a dedicated and talented group and I am excited by what we can achieve moving forward.”

Emma, right, who started her newspaper career 27 years ago at the bi-weekly South London Press, has also worked at the Nottingham Post and was chief sub-editor at the Derby Telegraph.

She has been at the Burton Mail for 12 years, the last five as deputy editor and the previous four as digital editor.

Said Emma: “I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to become editor of the Burton Mail. I have a dedicated team which has transformed the Mail from the struggling title it was into a product which punches above its weight in terms of newspaper sales, news coverage and campaigns.

“My aim now is to build on the solid foundations which have been laid and strive to grow the print and online audience further.”