Newsquest has announced that Milly Vincent, currently editor of Somerset County Gazette, has been appointed editor of daily newspaper the Dorset Echo. In her new role Milly will also oversee weekly titles including the Bridport News, Sidmouth Herald, and Falmouth Packet.
She will be succeeded as editor of Somerset County Gazette by Jessica Chaffey, currently the weekly title’s chief reporter and assistant editor. Jessica will also oversee titles such as the Weston Mercury, Bridgwater Mercury and Chard & Ilminster News.
Milly said: “It is a huge privilege to become the editor of the Dorset Echo. It has delivered trusted journalism to generations of readers day after day and has deep roots within the communities it serves. It is an honour to build on that track record as the paper’s first female editor in its 105-year history, and I will ensure the county gets the high-quality local journalism it deserves.
“I’ve spent two fantastic years in Somerset, and while I will be sad to leave such a talented team, I’m so pleased to be handing over to Jessica Chaffey, who has dedicated the past decade there in a variety of reporting and editing roles and knows them inside out.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the readers, communities, businesses and organisations across my new patch as I shift my focus and home across the county border to Dorset.”
Jessica said: “I am absolutely delighted to take on the role of editor of Somerset County Gazette. Having grown up in the county and worked at Newsquest for most of my career, it is an honour to lead such a talented newsroom and serve the communities that mean so much to me.
“I would like to thank Milly for her leadership, support and guidance over the years. I look forward to building on the excellent work she has done.
“As misinformation and speculation become more common online, I want to ensure we continue to provide trusted reporting, hold decision-makers to account, and tell the stories at the heart of our communities.”
Newsquest says both Milly and Jessica will start their new roles on September 28th and report to Toby Granville, regional editor of Newsquest South Coast, who said: “Milly and Jessica are exceptional journalists who are brilliant at building strong ties to their communities. Their appointments underline our commitment to strong local leadership delivering trusted, high-quality journalism across the region.
“The Dorset Echo reaches up to 85% of its community in and print and online, while the Somerset County Gazette reaches up to 80%. I look forward to seeing Milly and Jessica build on that success.”
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