A former regional daily editor has been appointed chair of a further education college.

Rob Lawson, who edited the Sunderland Echo for a decade before leaving the newspaper in 2012, has taken up the role at Hull College.

The move comes after Rob, pictured, received an OBE for his work in the field of education since leaving the newspaper industry.

He has previously worked with Education Partnership North East, which incorporates Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form, serving as its chair of governers.

Rob left EPNE in December after taking on a governor role with RNN Group, which runs a number of colleges in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.

He has also served as a national leader in governance for the Department of Education, working with other further education colleges across the country to improve their governance, and has also been a reviewer for the DfE’s new governance pilot programme.

At Hull College, Rob takes over from Lesley Davies following the conclusion of her 20-month term.

He said: “I’m tremendously excited to have been appointed and can’t wait to get started.

“I know what an inspirational leader Debra Gray is and I can see she has assembled a senior team brimming with talent and ambition.

“Lesley Davies has worked incredibly hard to get governance on track and the college has a genuinely exciting future ahead.

“I thank Lesley for her dedication and determination, and for giving me this amazing opportunity.”