A former regional daily editor charged with attracting investment to a seaside town is set to take up a new role in which he hopes to improve another coastal settlement’s fortunes.

Steve Hughes, left, who served as managing editor of York daily The Press for seven years, has been appointed chief executive of Plymouth’s City Centre Company, which aims to promote the Devon port.

Steve currently serves as manager of Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District, where he has created a five-year business plan for the resort.

During his time in charge, footfall in Bournemouth town centre increased by 12pc, compared with a UK High Street average of -1.1pc.

Steve, who lives in Cornwall, will take up his new role in Plymouth in August.

He said: “I am delighted to be coming to Plymouth at such an exciting time. I have seen the investment that has taken place recently and what’s in the pipeline including, of course, the Mayflower 400 anniversary.

“Clearly the city has great potential and I am impressed with the ambition.”

Steve added: “I look forward to working with the City Centre Company board and partners on the vision for Plymouth to be one of the UK’s top destinations and to place the city centre as the South West region’s prime retail location.”