THE Press has a new editor. Perry Austin-Clarke took up his new role this week.

Perry, 55, is a former deputy editor of The Press and editor of its sister titles, the Gazette & Herald and the former York Star series.

For the past 22 years he has been editor of the Telegraph & Argus, in Bradford, and group editor of Newsquest (Bradford), responsible for the Craven Herald & Pioneer, the Keighley News, the Ilkley Gazette and the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer.

In his new post as group editor, Newsquest (Yorkshire), he will continue to edit the Telegraph & Argus as well as holding overall responsibility for all the group’s websites and weekly titles.

He said: “I am genuinely pleased to be taking on this new, wider role and to be returning to York, where I spent an important and enjoyable part of my career working at both the old Coney Street premises and the former Walmgate offices.

“I have long connections with York – being brought up in Selby, I spent much of my youth here - and it’s a city that’s dear to my heart.

“I’m looking forward to reacquainting myself intimately with the city as well as getting to know the many talented individuals who strive daily to produce a brilliant newspaper and website with a long history and a proud tradition of serving the local community without fear or favour.”

Perry replaces Steve Hughes who left the company last week after seven years in York.