I am the editor of The Star, having been appointed in June 2022. I studied for a degree in journalism at the University of Sheffield from 1994 to 1997 and after qualifying I took up my first reporting role at the Whitehaven News, which is a weekly newspaper in West Cumbria. I spent two years there followed by another two years at The News & Star, which is a daily paper. Having loved my time as a student in the Steel City, I was keen to return and moved to The Star in 2001 as a general news reporter, before becoming the crime specialist and eventually the news editor. I have covered a range of topics during my career, but crime has always fascinated me and I have specialised over the years in reporting on murders, gang-related crime, shootings and stabbings. In my current role as editor, I enjoy championing Sheffield and all that is great about the Steel City. But it is also important to hold those in authority to account. An example of this is the tree felling saga we reported on in the city, where thousands of healthy trees were felled unnecessarily. And we have also reported extensively on the child sexual exploitation scandal in Rotherham, where 1,400 children were abused while those in authority failed to act. I enjoy travel, theatre and football - both professional and grassroots - and have spent many years volunteering for a local junior club. Cumbria is where I was born and grew up and I enjoy nothing more than heading up to the Lakes in my spare time. But I have also enjoyed exploring the Peak District during my time in Sheffield and count the city as blessed to have such stunning scenery right on its doorstep.