A new editor has shared his pride at taking charge of his hometown daily just eight years after starting his journalism career.

Joseph Keith has spoken of his “privilege” after being appointed to edit the Yorkshire Evening Post, having previously served as its deputy editor.

Joseph, pictured, takes over at the Leeds-based YEP after his predecessor Laura Collins was appointed to a group-wide publisher role with its owner National World.

Assistant head of news Georgina Morris has been unveiled as the newspaper’s deputy editor following his promotion.

Joseph began his career in June 2014 as a trainee reporter working on the Wakefield Express, Pontefract & Castleford Express and Hemsworth & South Elmsall Express, later moving to the Dewsbury Reporter, Mirfield Reporter, Batley & Birstall News and Spenborough Guardian.

Speaking to HTFP, he said: “It is truly a privilege for me to take on the mantle of editor of the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“I’m Leeds-born and I have a real understanding of the issues that resonate with our readers.

“There’s so much to shout about in Leeds and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape the title’s coverage.”

Laura’s promotion comes as part of a wider restructure in which Nancy Fielder, formerly editor at Sheffield daily the Star, will become editor-in-chief of National World’s city-based ‘World’ websites.

Crime reporter Claire Lewis has taken on the editorship of The Star.

Joseph qualified as a senior reporter in 2016 and has since served in “almost every job” at the YEP since.

In an editorial introducing himself to readers, Joseph wrote: “I started my journalism career in Wakefield and spent my junior years at weekly newspapers covering the majority of West Yorkshire from Castleford to Halifax, Dewsbury to Ossett, Batley to Heckmondwike – and everywhere in between.

“There is an irony but also something beautiful about how I had to leave Leeds before I could return and report on and for the city.

“After knocking on the door hard enough, I began plying my trade at the YEP and have never looked back.”

He added: “As editor, I will do my very best to continue that work, champion our great city and campaign on its behalf to showcase why it is such a brilliant place to live, work and visit.”