Mike Gilson begins his role as group editor of Newsquest Sussex, the publisher of The Argus, today.

Mr Gilson was formerly editor of the Belfast Telegraph, a position he held for the past five years.

Previously, he was editor of The Scotsman, The News in Portsmouth and the Peterborough Evening Telegraph.

He is currently Northern Ireland’s Journalist of the Year and the Belfast Telegraph has been named Northern Irish Newspaper of the Year in four out of the past five years. In 2011, the publication was named UK Regional Newspaper of the Year.

Mr Gilson said: “I am tremendously excited about taking on the opportunity in Brighton. It is a fantastically dynamic place and the newspaper and digital platforms under me will reflect that.

“We will be challenging when we need to be and supportive at other times. We will be at the centre of debate and, at the core of everything, our journalism will be vital and trustworthy.

“I have a track record at producing compelling newspapers and websites. This will continue.”

Dawn Sweeney, managing director of Newsquest Sussex, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mike to The Argus.

“He is an experienced editor with an outstanding pedigree and I look forward to working with him in the new year to further develop The Argus.”