A new editor has been appointed to lead two sister weeklies after their former chief decided to move back to his native region.

Chris Faulds is to take the helm at the Border Telegraph and the Peebleshire News, following the departure of Callum Hodgson.

Callum, who joined the Newsquest-owned titles as a trainee reporter in 2016, is moving on to take up an as-yet-undisclosed new role in his native North East of England.

Chris, pictured below, moves from the Alloa Advertiser where he was a reporter.  He has also previously worked for the Dunfermline Press and Central Fife Times.

Said Chris: “I am looking forward to getting started and learning all I can about the Scottish Borders, its people and its places.

“My aim will be to continue the amazing work that has been done by Callum and his team, ensuring we provide the best coverage of all things Borders.

“I am excited to meet as many of our readers as I can so that we can keep providing the news that matters most to them.

“A big thank you goes to Callum for his hard work on the titles and I hope you will join me in giving him our appreciation for his time in the Borders.”

Added Callum: “After nine years working at the titles, I am stepping down as content editor.

“I came to the Borders from the north east of England at the age of 21 to take on a position as a trainee reporter. I will always be grateful for the welcome I received in 2016 and the help I have had along the way.

“I have loved living and working in this amazing region and learning about its rich history and traditions but have decided the time was right to take on a new challenge near the area I grew up.

“Thank you to all of our readers and advertisers for supporting the papers over the past nine years. It is never taken for granted.”