A former BBC presenter who lost her job as a result of the corporation’s local radio cutbacks is joining a community news website on her old patch.

Ex BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter Faye Hatcher, pictured, is joining the Stroud Times where she will focus on building advertising partnerships for the hyperlocal platform.

The Times was launched three years ago as an online-only venture by editor Ash Loveridge, journalist Matt Bigwood, and photographer Carl Hewlett, all of whom formerly worked at the Stroud News and Journal.

Faye left the BBC over the cuts to local radio that saw the loss of 139 roles and a concurrent investment in local digital journalism to create 131 new posts.

She said: “I’m really excited to be joining Stroud Times and can’t wait to get started. My new position will sit alongside my other freelance work as a media trainer, event host and pet portrait artist.

“Having worked in the media for over 20 years, I know a lot of people in the Stroud area and I’m keen to build business relationships and partnerships within our community.

“People love local and what better way to market your company, than through a publication that’s firmly rooted in its community.

“I’m keen to hear from businesses who want to grow their brand awareness and to publicise what they do and the services they provide.”

Ash added: “We’re delighted to welcome Faye to our team. Faye is embedded in the community and is the perfect fit to help drive the content and advertising side of the business to the next level.

“We’ve been delighted how much a truly independent news website has been welcomed by the community and Faye is a fantastic signing and we’re over the moon she agreed to join us.”