Star editor in shock departure

THE editor of the Shropshire Star has left the daily newspaper after a decade in the role. Sarah Jane Smith joined the paper’s parent company, the Midland News Association, in 1979 as a trainee and progressed up through the ranks to become the title’s first female editor. A company statement said she planned to “pursue other interests”. She has been replaced with immediate effect by Keith Harrison, deputy editor of the Wolverhampton-based Express and Star, also owned by the MNA. Deputy editor of the Shropshire Star Jon Simcock will remain in the role. Ms Smith said: “It has been a privilege to work for the MNA in so many roles during my 32 years with the company. I will certainly miss my team, of whom I have been immensely proud.”

New sales manager

STAFFORDSHIRE internet services company Internet Central has appointed David Cartwright to its team as sales manager. Mr Cartwright joins the Stoke firm from UK Solutions where he was an account manager, and previously spent five years at Thus PLC. Mr Cartwright is original from Shropshire and has expertise in hosting and internet security.

Park appoints PR firm

STONELEIGH Park in Warwickshire has appointed PR agency Lucre to handle its national programme of consumer and business-to-business public relations activity. The park and its hotel cater for up to 2,000 delegates. The company has tasked Leeds-based Lucre with raising the venue’s profile through a range of creative campaigns.

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