IT’S a case of welcome home for the new editor of the Shields Gazette.
Joy Yates, born and educated in South Shields, joined the paper as a trainee reporter and rose to deputy editor before taking over as editor of the Hartlepool Mail in July 2006.
Joy – who will also remain as editor of the six-night-a-week Mail and the weekly paper the Peterlee Star – replaces John Szymanski, who is leaving the Gazette after 11 years in charge to become editor of the Sunderland Echo.
Joy said: “When the opportunity came up to edit my hometown paper, the Shields Gazette, as well as the Hartlepool Mail and Peterlee Star, I jumped at the chance.
“The papers have fantastic teams and I’m really looking forward to my new role.
“It’s an exciting time to return to the Gazette as we prepare to give the paper a fresh look.
“The Gazette also has a newly-launched tablet app which is available free from app stores for a 30-day period.
“I’m looking forward to meeting Gazette readers and business contacts – I’m sure I’ll recognise a few faces from seven years ago!”
John said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in South Tyneside as it has such a tremendous community spirit and terrific people.
“I have been proud and privileged to be the editor of Britain’s oldest provincial newspaper, which has been at the heart of South Tyneside life for so long.
“I would like to thank Gazette staff, loyal readers and advertisers for their support, and I will always retain a deep affection for the place and the many friends I’ve made here.”