Bio
A multi-award-winning journalist, I have over 35 years’ experience in the sector in the UK and abroad, 19 of which were with The Journal in Newcastle, where I progressed through the ranks to be Head of
A multi-award-winning journalist, I have over 35 years’ experience in the sector in the UK and abroad, 19 of which were with The Journal in Newcastle, where I progressed through the ranks to be Head of Features and Forward Planning, before taking voluntary redundancy in 2009.
Since then I have worked as a freelance journalist, PR and copywriter covering everything from feature writing for national and regional publications to creating and distributing press releases and scripting websites.
During my time at The Journal, I won 15 major regional and national awards for my work, mainly in consumer and personal finance, including being the inaugural winner of what was the Bradford and Bingley Personal Finance Newcomer of the Year in 1998, and also both the British Insurance Brokers' Association Regional and National Journalist of the Year accolades in 2004.
My specialist areas are profile interviews, lifestyle, food and drink, family, and consumer features. I can also seamlessly turn my hand to news and business stories.
Having worked on both busy evening and daily newspapers, I am used to producing accurate, well-written and clean copy to often tight deadlines.
I have retained my regional and national contacts and through my extensive network have a ready source of authentic case studies.
Recently, I was commissioned to write a travel guide to Newcastle-Gateshead, and also authored The Great North Yorkshire Brewery Guide for a North East-based magazine publishing company.
I am regularly asked to comment on issues on local radio, ranging from family matters to food and drink.
Specialist areas
Food and drink, consumer, leisure, celebrity and lifestyle interviews and features, tourism, North East England
