A community news reporter has left her role to join a regional daily.

Shawna Healey has announced her departure from the Wakefield Express to join the Manchester Evening News as a commerce writer.

Shawna, pictured, joined the Express under the Meta-funded Community News Project last June.

Previously a freelance, she was named among the 2021 Rising Stars in Journalism by the Printing Charity.

Shawna told HTFP: “After a wonderful year-and-a-half at National World working at the Wakefield Express, I am now proud to have joined the affiliates team at the Manchester Evening News.

“The Community News Reporter scheme through the partnership between Meta and the NCTJ gave me the opportunity to study for the NCTJ diploma alongside working full-time, as well as building upon the skills that I acquired whilst at university and in previous journalism roles.

“I look forward to building up relationships with my fellow colleagues at Reach and PRs in the future as I settle into the new role.”