The Isle of Wight County Press is recruiting two journalists to work at the UK’s biggest selling local weekly newspaper.

The recruitment for a digital reporter and local democracy reporter comes as Lori Little is set to become sole editor this summer.

Reporter Oliver Dyer, fresh from his scene-stealing appearance on Sky TV's Hold the Front Page representing the County Press, has been promoted to chief reporter, effective this summer.

Lori said: "I’m excited to be taking the County Press to the next level with lots of exciting developments to come this year.

“Bolstering the team will ensure our website and newspaper remain the places to keep up to date on the Island.

“We've retained our standing as the biggest selling local weekly paper in the country, and this, combined with our digital first ethos, makes us the leading Island media outlet.

“I’m proud we are trusted by the community to tell Islanders’ stories.”

The changes at the County Press come as Lori’s current co-editor Lucy Morgan departs for a regional head of communications role in the charity sector.

Lori added: “I would like to pay tribute to my departing co-editor Lucy Morgan, who has been instrumental in leading many of the digital changes at the County Press over the past four years.

"It has been an honour and an absolute pleasure to work alongside Lucy, particularly in the last year when we co-edited the paper - twice representing the County Press when we were short-listed for Weekly Newspaper of the Year at the prestigious Newspaper Awards, and of course starring on Hold the Front Page. We've really put the County Press on the map."

Lucy said: "I have had an incredible time at the Isle of Wight County Press. Lori and I have overseen some significant changes in the last year and it is fair to say it has been busy.

"I joined this leading news organisation just a few weeks before the first Covid-19 lockdown and, alongside publishing thousands of stories about the Isle of Wight, we have also reported the impact of some unprecedented national news on our community.

"In the four years I have been here, the Island has celebrated Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, mourned her death, marked the accession of a new Monarch, seen the tenure of no fewer than three Prime Ministers and prepared amidst rumours of a general election."

"I know this trusted and historic brand - which turns 140 this year - is ensured a bright future with its current team in place.”