An editor has taken on a new role with the hyperlocal news trade body.

The Independent Community News Network has announced that it has hired John Baron in a new staff role.

John, pictured, is the founder of the West Leeds Dispatch, which he has run since 2015.

He will continue to edit the Dispatch while working part-time for the ICNN.

John’s appointment was announced by ICNN director Emma Meese in a Facebook post.

Emma wrote: “I’m beyond delighted to introduce you to ICNN’s newest member of staff John Baron. John started with us today and has hit the ground running.”

Since taking up the role, John has been helping manage the ICNN’s Facebook page and has announced plans to restart the organisation’s advisory board to decide its future direction and policies.

John has also announced an intention to restart ICNN lunchtime masterclasses and skill shares for members in areas such as launching a printed newspaper, using AI and becoming a charity.