A former regional journalist has been appointed editor of a national specialist publication.

Olivia Midgley has been promoted to the role at Farmers Guardian, where she was previously deputy editor.

Olivia, pictured, began her career on the Dewsbury Reporter in 2007 and has worked for the Guardian for the past 12 years.

Her promotion comes as Ben Briggs, editor for the past seven years, moves to become group publisher and editor-in-chief of the title’s parent company Agriconnect.

Olivia said: “It is a privilege to lead a brand with such a rich heritage, at a pivotal time for agriculture, when the world’s eyes are on the sector like never before.

“As well as serving our print and online audience and helping farmers navigate the changes and opportunities coming down the track, our team of award-winning journalists will continue to shine a light on the issues affecting rural businesses every day and effect change where we can.

“We have a track record of communicating farming’s story to the wider public through our campaigns such as FarmingCAN, #ThisIsAgriculture and Take the Lead and with our soon-to-be-launched new digital offering, I am confident we can push this messaging even further afield.”