A former regional journalist has joined an ex-editor’s public relations agency.

Samantha Down has been appointed client relationship manager at 32West, run by former North West Evening Mail editor James Higgins.

Samantha, pictured, was a journalist for ITV Border for 11 years and also previously worked at the Liverpool Echo and Chester Chronicle.

She joins 32West from being a public sector communications and engagement manager at Copeland Council and its successor authority Cumberland Council.

Samantha told In-Cumbria: “For the past 13 years it has been my privilege to represent and work in West Cumbria.

“When I moved to the area I only intended to stay for 18 months but I fell in love with the people and the place. More than a decade later I can’t imagine living and working anywhere else.

“West Cumbria has so much to offer locally, nationally and internationally. Now is a very exciting time for the region with millions of pounds worth of investment coming this way.

“32West works with some truly groundbreaking businesses and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and telling their stories. By doing so we can help businesses grow and reach their potential.”

32West director Jonathan Lee added: “We are delighted that a communications executive and journalist of Samantha’s calibre and experience is joining 32West as we look to further expand.

“West Cumbria is an area full of exciting and ambitious businesses and organisations and we look forward to Samantha telling even more of their stories of success as well as making a positive difference to communities across the region.

“It’s an exciting time at 32West with our client base growing across Cumbria, Lancashire and the North-East, as well as the range of services we deliver for our clients also expanding.

“The strength of any business is its people and we are delighted that Samantha is joining our extremely talented team.

“We are really proud of every member of our team who always go the extra mile to do the very best for our clients and to help our communities.”