Duggan takes helm as Regional Editor in the North West for Newsquest

“I am delighted to be joining Newsquest and to have the opportunity to manage historic brands with such close ties to their local communities,” said Duggan.

“Both Greater Manchester and Lancashire are very close to my heart and I’m so pleased to once again be able to call the area home.

“I’m really looking forward to working with my new teams and to continue the fantastic work of my predecessor, providing local people with the very best local journalism.”

Nick Fellows, Regional Managing Director, added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Richard to the business. He will be taking over leadership of a fantastic group of reporters and some of the country’s most powerful local news brands – the Bolton News and Lancashire Telegraph, for example, that now reach over 75% of adults in their local area.”