The editor of two sister dailies is leaving his role to take charge of another title run by the same regional publisher.

Newsquest has unveiled Karl Holbrook as the new editor of the Northern Echo.

Karl, pictured, is currently responsible for the Bolton News and Lancashire Telegraph in his role as Newsquest’s group editor for Lancashire & Greater Manchester.

His move comes after incumbent Echo editor Hannah Chapman announced last month she was stepping down to concentrate on running the Darlington & Stockton Times.

Karl said: “The Northern Echo is one of the most prestigious news brands in the UK and it is an absolute honour to become only the 15th editor in 150 years.

“To take the reins of The Great Daily of the North is a big responsibility, especially in these strange and unpredictable times – and that is a task that I do not take on lightly.

“This brand has been at the heart of this wonderful community for generations and never has the work of the press been more important – or more scrutinised as it is today.

“There will be challenges ahead but my mission will be to champion the north in these most unprecedented times through quality, trusted, independent journalism that people need now more than ever and to ensure that our voices continue to be heard long into the future.”

Karl took on the News, his first editorship, in 2018 and was promoted to his current role in a restructure last year.

He will start at the Darlington-based Echo in October and the process of finding a replacement at the News and the Blackburn-based Telegraph will begin shortly.

David Coates, regional managing director for Newsquest North East, said: “We are delighted Karl is joining our team.

“He’s joining The Great Daily of The North at a time of huge change and challenge brought about by the Covid situation, and there’s never been a more important time for trusted local and regional journalism.

“I’m sure that he will relish building on the newspaper’s reputation for campaigning journalism and we look forward to welcoming him to the role in October.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to the excellent work that Hannah Chapman has done for the Northern Echo over the last two years and wish her well in her new role editing the Darlington & Stockton Times.”

Toby Granville, editorial development director at Newsquest, added: “Karl has done a fantastic job in Bolton and Lancashire – and I’m delighted he’s now been given this opportunity to make the Great Daily of the North even greater.”