An editor has left a local newspaper to help launch a new regional edition of a national title.

Ciaran O’Neill has said farewell to the Derry News to become part of the launch team of the Dublin-based Sunday Independent’s new Northern Ireland edition.

Ciaran edited the News between 2007 and 2017, returning last year as managing editor after a spell working for the BBC in Belfast.

Other journalists involved in the launch of the Independent’s new edition include former Impartial Reporter deputy editor Rodney Edwards.

Sam McBride, who also works for the Independent’s INM sister daily the Belfast Telegraph, will also write a weekly column for the edition.

Ciaran, pictured, told HTFP: “I’m delighted to take on the new role. I have always loved my time in local papers but this opportunity was too good to turn down.

“The Sunday Independent is Ireland’s biggest selling newspaper and it is great to see new investment in the industry.

“It has been a tough few years for newspapers but the owners of the Sunday Independent believe there is potential in the Northern Ireland market and it’s brilliant to be part of this initiative.”

Ciaran will have the title of Northern Ireland journalist at the Independent.

Launching the new edition, Independent editor Alan English said: “If you’ve never read us before, I’d greatly appreciate it if you gave us a try.

“We are proud of our team of staff journalists, photographers and contributors – and the good news is that this team is getting bigger and better.”

He added: “We’re excited about giving new readers in Northern Ireland a great Sunday newspaper experience – I hope you can pick up a copy.”