A journalist is returning to her old newspaper as editor after nine years away.

Rachael Sugden, left, has been unveiled as the new editor of the Bath Chronicle, where she previously held various reporting roles before becoming assistant chief sub-editor between 2001 and 2007.

Rachael then moved to Bristol, where she edited the Western Daily Press’ West Country Life magazine before becoming the launch editor of the Bristol Post’s Weekend magazine.

She then went on to become the Post’s deputy features editor and is currently its lifestyle content editor.

Her predecessor at the Chronicle, Lynne Fernquest, left the newspaper in May as part of a restructure by new owner Trinity Mirror.

Rachael will take up the post on 24 October.

She said: “I feel very proud and privileged to be returning to Bath. I have so many fond memories of my time there, and I know there is a huge amount of talent and potential in the newsroom today.

“This is an important and dynamic era for regional news publishers, as we develop our approach to presenting stories for a growing online audience, while sticking to traditional journalistic practices of getting to the heart of communities, telling real people’s stories and holding authorities to account.

“Bath is a great place, brimming with brilliant stories, and I plan to lead the Chronicle team in creating a news gathering business which reflects every aspect of the city – and which gives Bathonians the quality print and digital products they deserve.”