A publisher has appointed its youngest ever editor as part of an expansion of its regional news operation.

Reach plc has announced the appointment of 23-year-old Abigail Rabbett to the post of Norfolk and Suffolk editor as the company prepares to launch websites under its ‘Live’ brand for the counties.

Abigail, pictured, moves to the role having served as Reach’s audience editor for Cambridgeshire, Essex Live, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

She began her career in May 2017 as a ‘What’s On’ writer in Cambridge.

Abigail said: “Norfolk and Suffolk have always held a special place in my heart, from holidays to Sunny Hunny (Hunstanton) to trips to Newmarket races, these are areas I have known – and loved – my whole life.

“My aim for both sites is to bring local news to people in a manner that is exciting, fresh and digital-first, putting an emphasis on telling every story accessibly and imaginatively.

“I want these sites to give every reader a voice – no matter who they are – through content that is relatable, innovative and different to our competitors.

“I want to invite discussion and encourage people to experience the best our counties have to offer.”

Lauren MacDougall, who is audience editor for Kent and Sussex, has also been promoted by Reach to the role of editor (audience and engagement).

Lauren will oversee the company’s audience and engagement teams across the South East as it plans to launch a site covering Oxfordshire.

She said: “I’m honoured to be leading our new, connected engagement team in the region – a talented group of multimedia journalists who are already experts in delivering local stories to new audiences across all of our platforms.

“I’ll be sad to leave the day-to-day excitement of KentLive, where I started my career in journalism, but I’m delighted to take on this new challenge getting to know our readers more.”

David Bartlett, Reach’s audience and content director for the South East, said: “I appointed Abi as a ‘What’s On’ writer in Cambridge in May 2017 and her career has gone from strength to strength ever since.”

He added: “Both [appointments] are really important roles for us as we expand our region into Norfolk, Suffolk and Oxfordshire later this summer.”