A former national journalist has taken on a senior editorial role in an independent local news website’s expansion.

Simon Hacker has been appointed promotions editor of the Stroud Times, launched six months ago by three former Stroud News and Journal colleagues.

Simon, pictured, will report on news and features, according to the Times, alongside a special role “reinforcing our partnership with businesses who share a stake in Stroud’s future wellbeing”.

A former journalist with the Sunday Times and the Guardian, he previously launched independent title the Wotton Times in 2018 with Matthew Bigwood, who is himself one of the founders of the Stroud Times.

Simon left his role as editor in Wotton in May.

Discussing his new appointment, Simon told HTFP: “Stroud punches well above its weight as a news patch, being a hotbed of Green politics and debate, as well as a key location in the birth of Extinction Rebellion.

“The five valleys that make up the area offer a rich source of human interest stories and the sense of community is – despite the pandemic – a great force for good.

“In Forest Green Rovers we even have the world’s first vegan football team. All said, it’s a fabulous arena for local news.”

Times editor Ash Loveridge added: “I’m delighted to welcome Simon to our team.  Simon is the perfect fit to help drive the content and advertising side of the business to the next level.”