An editor has welcomed three new recruits to her titles as she returns from maternity leave.

Katie French is back in her post as regional editor of Newsquest Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, where she is responsible for the Bucks Free Press, Reading Chronicle, Bracknell News and the Observer series.

Naomi Herring, who was acting editor while Katie was on leave, has been promoted from news editor to deputy editor following her return.

Eleanor Burleigh and Megan O’Neil have also joined the Bucks Free Press and Reading Chronicle respectively, while, as previously covered by HTFP, Gee Harland has been recruited from the Oxford Mail to serve as Newsquest’s court and crime reporter for Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Katie, pictured, told HTFP: “I am delighted to be returning at an exciting time for our team as we welcome three new reporters who have hit the ground running.

“As well as celebrating Gee’s recent nomination in the NCTJ Awards of Excellence, we are celebrating Naomi’s much-deserved promotion.

“I look forward to seeing her help shape the region’s future as we develop a number of exciting products this year including the launch of our newsletters and the relaunch of our digital subscriptions.”