From trainee to Leek Post editor in 3 years

The Sentinel has appointed one of the country's youngest editors to head up its Post & Times titles in Leek, Cheadle and Uttoxeter.

This is how the trade press announced Hayley Parker's remarkable achievement:

A young journalist who joined a weekly title as a trainee reporter less than three years ago has been made its editor.

Hayley Parker has been appointed as editor of the Post and Times Series, in Staffordshire, and officially took up her new role today (November 30).

The job encompasses the editorship of the Leek Post and Times, Uttoxeter Post and Times and the Cheadle Post and Times and includes responsibility for five reporters and a sports editor.

Hayley takes over from Rob Cotterill, who has returned to daily sister title The Sentinel, where he was previously news editor, to take on another senior role.

Said Hayley: "I was delighted to be chosen for the job. It's a massive step up for me but it's gone well so far."

After joining the Uttoxeter Post and Times as a trainee in early 2007, she qualified as a senior reporter this time last year after passing her NCE exam.

Sentinel editor-in-chief Mike Sassi said: "Hayley is an excellent young journalist who has worked hard to achieve this promotion. I'm certain the P&T will prosper under her leadership."