A new editor has landed her “dream job” after being appointed to run three regional news websites.

Reach plc has unveiled Katrina Chilver as the new editor of Bedfordshire Live, Essex Live and Hertfordshire Live.

Katrina, pictured, grew up in Essex and has served as a content editor on Essex Live, as well as Cambridgeshire Live and Hertfordshire Live, since 2020.

Her appointment comes after previous Bedfordshire Live, Essex Live and Hertfordshire Live editor Richard Duggan left Reach to edit Newsquest dailies the Bolton News, Lancashire Telegraph and Oldham Times.

Richard was also responsible for Cambridgeshire Live and Peterborough Live in his previous role, but those titles are now overseen by Abigail Rabbett following a restructure at Reach.

Posting about her appointment on Twitter, Katrina said: “To say I’m thrilled about this is an understatement.

“Trying not to get too sappy, but this really is my dream job, and I can’t wait to get started.

“Very happy that I get to do it in the county I grew up in, and I’m excited to get to know Herts and Beds better too.”

Katrina began her career as a trainee reporter on Windsor’s Royal Borough Observer in 2015, after training at Leicester’s De Montfort University.

She joined the Coventry Telegraph in 2016 before returning to Leicester the following year, where she worked her way up to deputy digital publishing editor.

Katrina had been in her most recent role since April 2020, when joined Essex Live.

David Bartlett, Reach’s audience and content director for the South-East of England, wrote on Twitter: “I’m delighted to announce that Katrina Chilver will be the new editor for Essex Live, Hertfordshire Live and Bedfordshire Live.

“Katrina is one of our brightest talents within Reach South-East and I know how much this job means to her and can’t wait to see how she develops these brands.”