A journalist who joined an award-wininng daily as a graduate trainee 25 years ago has become its first female editor.

Gail Walker, left, was today named editor of the Belfast Telegraph in succession to Mike Gilson, who left after five years to edit Brighton daily The Argus.

She began her career in journalism with the Bel Tel in 1990 and was most recently the newspaper’s deputy editor (Features).

Owner Independent News & Media Ltd confirmed her in the role today with immediate effect.

Said Gail: “I’m very proud, honoured and excited to be appointed Editor of the Belfast Telegraph. It will bring challenges but I’ll be working with a great team of journalists and friends.”

Throughout her career Gail has won numerous awards, including CIPR Feature Writer of the Year in 2013.

Managing director Richard McClean said: “This is an exciting and challenging time for newspapers and Gail will lead and continue to drive multi-platform journalism within the Belfast Telegraph.

He added that he was delighted with Miss Walker’s appointment in the face of a very strong field of candidates.