Gary Welford

I am available for copywriting, editing, proofreading and social media work. Contact me at garywelford1966@gmail.com

After 33 years with regional papers in North East England (Hexham Courant, The Journal, Sunderland Echo, Evening Chronicle, Shields Gazette, and the Echo again, I took the opportunity of voluntary redundancy in summer 2019.

My most recent role was digital specialist with Johnston Press/JPIMedia, producing, editing and promoting online content for three daily titles - the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette and Hartlepool Mail.

This involved using social media such as Facebook and Twitter to market content, ensuring headlines were SEO-friendly, and that articles had video wherever possible and plenty of hyperlinks, to improve their Google search ranking.

Prior to a decade of digital experience I was assistant editor, news editor, chief reporter crime reporter and district reporter on daily titles, so have lots of experience in working to tight deadlines and nurturing contacts.

In my spare time I enjoy writing about music, and have my own blog, www.ipamusic.co.uk. I also produce the matchday programme for my hometown non-league football club, Consett AFC.

I also take photographs at gigs and football matches, and have had work published in the Northern Echo, Chronicle Live and Sunday Sun, among others, and had my pictures used by bands for flyers, posters and album sleeves.