The Guardian launching North of England news hub

THE Guardian is creating a North of England news hub in Manchester, with the aim of significantly extending its coverage of the region and the reach of its newsroom.

It is the first Northern launch by a national newspaper since the big retreat of the major titles from Manchester in the 1980s.

Current North of England editor Helen Pidd and prisons correspondent Eric Allison will be joined by Guardian staffer Josh Halliday and new hire Nazia Parveen, who joins from the Daily Mail, as North of England correspondents.

Guardian digital trainee Frances Perraudin will also join the team as North of England reporter. All five journalists will work from the Guardian’s existing newsroom in Deansgate, Manchester and report into the national newsdesk.

Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief, Guardian News & Media, which has its historical roots in Manchester, said: “I’m delighted to be building on the Guardian’s fine heritage in Manchester by putting more reporters on the ground to get scoops, break news and provide context and analysis about the North of England.  

“At a time of unprecedented global reach and influence for the Guardian, we’ll be shedding light on the issues affecting this crucial region and adding a northern perspective to national and global conversations.”

Pidd said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Josh, Frances and Nazia to the Guardian’s North of England team – they’re all outstanding journalists with strong connections to the north, and they will bring significant knowledge and expertise to our expanding coverage of the region.”  

All journalists will start their new roles in January.