A regional daily’s business editor has been poached to edit four weekly newspapers in the same county.

Newsquest has unveiled Kimberley Barber as the new regional editor of its Hampshire weeklies.

Kimberley, who is currently business editor at JPIMedia’s Portsmouth daily The News, will oversee the Hampshire Chronicle, Basingstoke Gazette, Andover Advertiser and Romsey Advertiser in her new role.

Her appointment comes following the departure of Katie French from Newsquest Hampshire in September.

Kimberley, pictured, said: “These are four very important titles for Newsquest and I am looking forward to working with the excellent teams that are already in place.

“The Hampshire Chronicle is my local newspaper and I have often admired its work. It is a brilliant example of a long-standing, trusted, reliable source of local news.

“I am also equally excited to be taking responsibility for the Basingstoke Gazette, Andover Advertiser and Romsey Advertiser. These are wonderful newspapers, covering everything that matters in their communities.

“Local journalism has been in my blood for more than 10 years. Telling people’s stories, keeping people connected and creating a sense of community has never been more important.

“I have enjoyed every second of my time at The News and hope that my new role can help the local newspaper industry in Hampshire work together for the greater good of Hampshire residents.”

A gold-standard NCTJ journalist with a first-class BA (Hons) in Journalism from Southampton Solent University, Kimberley has spent the past nine years at the News.

Bill Browne, editor-in-chief and publisher for Newsquest North Hampshire and South Wiltshire said: “Kimberley is an excellent appointment for our region.

“She is experienced in all aspects of news gathering in Hampshire and she has a track record of developing teams.”