A regional daily has regained its own editor for the first time in six years as part of a regional publisher’s management shake-up.

Nicola Adam has been unveiled as editor of Blackpool daily The Gazette as JPIMedia’s drive to localise its journalism continues.

The Gazette’s editorship was merged with that of the Preston-based Lancashire Post under Gillian Parkinson following the departure of Jon Rhodes, who was the last sole editor of the Blackpool-based daily, in 2015.

Nicola, pictured, has spent the past six years in charge of JPIMedia-owned weeklies the Lytham St Annes Express, Fleetwood Weekly News, Chorley Guardian, Leyland Guardian, Garstang Courier and Longridge News, in addition to serving as deputy editor of the Post.

She will retain an associate editorship of the Post as part of her new role.

Nicola’s appointment at The Gazette comes after JPIMedia’s new owner National World vowed earlier this year to decentralise the company.

New editors have since been unveiled at The Scotsman, Sheffield Telegraph, Mansfield Chad, Buxton Advertiser, Doncaster Free Press and Worksop Guardian.

The Edinburgh Evening News and Scotland on Sunday will also be regaining their own editors, the company confirmed.

Nicola, who has also previously edited the Lancaster Guardian and Morecambe Visitor, told HTFP: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as editor of The Gazette, Blackpool.

“Blackpool is a dynamic town and resort like no other and I look forward to working with and for the local communities in making sure it returns safely and successfully to its position centre-stage in the spotlight again, post pandemic.

“We have already made a start with the launch of campaign #BringBlackpoolBack.”

JPIMedia was unable to confirm who would be taking of charge of Nicola’s old titles, or whether they will regain their own individual editors, when approached by HTFP.