A new editor has taken charge of a group of weekly newspapers after their publisher decided to devolve responsibility for the titles.

Newsquest has unveiled Alicia Kelly as the new editor of the Bromsgrove Advertiser, Redditch Advertiser, Stourbridge News and the Halesowen and Dudley News.

The titles had been overseen since 2018 by Stephanie Preece, who retained oversight of the group when she was promoted to regional group editor for Worcestershire and Gloucestershire three years ago.

Stephanie, who runs the Worcester News as part of her role, remains as regional group editor for the same papers.

Alicia, pictured, said in a message to Stourbridge News readers: “It is a real privilege to be appointed editor for a long-standing newspaper like Stourbridge News which has been at the centre of the Black Country community for many years.

“I am looking forward to maintaining its reputation for reporting the latest news from the area and championing causes close to the heart of the people living here – both online and in print.

“I’d love to hear from our readers to find out what is important to them and how they feel we can best support them.”

Alicia will also serve as deputy regional group editor for Newsquest’s Gloucestershire and Worcestershire titles in her role.