NEW editor Skip Walker spent the first four years of her career as a reporter at the Daily Express, way back when most national newspapers were still based in Fleet Street.

After a dalliance with books and magazines for a number of years she returned to newspapers when she left London and moved to Gloucestershire, joining the Bailey Newspaper Group in 1982.

She was news editor of the Marlborough Times then held a number of positions at the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard in Tetbury and Cirencester before becoming editor for nine years of the Stroud News and Journal.

When offered the chance to take over the reins of the Gazette from David Cullimore, Skip says she jumped at it.

"I had a great time in Stroud," she said, "but I have always embraced change and am greatly looking forward to getting to know the communities and countryside in the Gazette area and to helping to support their successes and aspirations.

"I have spent the last two weeks driving around the area and I am in love with it already. The countryside is gorgeous and the towns and villages look lively and well cared for. I can't wait to get started."