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Former Sun writer to edit flagship weekly

emily-banks1A former Sun journalist who returned to local journalism two years ago has taken charge of a flagship weekly title.

Emily Banks, left, has been named as the new editor of Archant London’s Hampstead and Highgate Express, universally known as the Ham & High, as well as the Brent & Kilburn Times.

After starting her career as a reporter at the Oxford Mail in 1992, Emily moved to the Ham & High as news editor in 1995 before heading to the nationals in 1999.

But following a stint as a feature writer on The Sun, she returned to the Ham & High in October 2014 in the role of Hampstead reporter and crime reporter, and has now been promoted to editor.

Previously the title was edited by Geoff Martin who has retired from his role as editor-in-chief of Archant’s North London weeklies.

Said Emily: “I am honoured to take up my role as editor of such a great newspaper. I grew up in a home where the Ham & High dropped onto our doormat every week. This is a paper at the heart of a community which is so interesting, vibrant and diverse.

“I am aware I am taking the helm during a challenging time for newspapers and look forward to making sure that the Ham & High and Brent & Kilburn Times keep their place in their communities, upholding local democracy and producing high quality, relevant and entertaining content for their readers.”

Other recent job moves in the regional press include:

* Trinity Mirror’s Media Wales division, which publishes the Western Mail, South Wales Echo, Wales on Sunday and Wales Online, has made a number of editorial appointments. Dominic Booth, Jack Vittles and Ian Mitchelmore join as digital sports writers, Joshua Knapman takes on the role of Newport What’s On Writer, while Katie Gupwell, Will Hayward and Thomas Deacon join as trainees.

* Liverpool Echo news content editor John Siddle has left to join Trinity Mirror sister title the Coventry Telegraph as Head of Audience from today.

* Surrey Mirror reporter Caitlin Webb has left the newspaper to undertake an internship at the European Parliament.

* James Johnson has been made digital editor of the Southern Daily Echo, having previously served as social media editor.

* Patrick Scott has left the Trinity Mirror Data Unit to join the journalism department at City University as a data journalist.

* Marc Meneaud has left his role as North of England reporter at the Sunday Post.

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