Nine further journalists have been given new roles in a regional publisher’s bid to stamp out online abuse.

Reach plc has announced the appointment of more staff to its network of online safety reps, set up by Reach plc to help staff who have experienced online abuse or harm.

The new reps include Gloucestershire Live content editor Zasha Whiteway-Wilkinson, Birmingham Live content editor James Rodger, Reach West Midlands nostalgia and history writer Tom Fair and Stoke-on-Trent Live audience editor Louise Elliott.

Also on the list are Liverpool Echo TV and showbiz writer Christopher Megrath, features and lifestyle writer Josie Copson and Thomas Cock, who is deputy managing editor for Reach Live in the South of England.

Reach South West colleagues Shannon Braunton and James Johnson, who are senior customer editor and regional content editor respectively,  complete the list of new reps.

Their appointments were announced by Reach online safety editor Rebecca Whittington, pictured, who said on Twitter her new charges were “ready to protect and respond in connection to online harms”.

In response, Thomas wrote: “Thanks for the great training Rebecca, looking forward to spreading the word and helping where I can.”

Other recent appointments to the network include Steve Wollaston, Reach plc’s head of sport for the Midlands.