The Bucks Free Press has appointed its first female editor in its 160-year history.

Award-winning journalist, Samantha Harman, will take the helm at BFP Towers from Monday, March 6 – becoming the newspaper’s 14th editor.

Newsquest Media Group announced the appointment of the new Group Editor for Newsquest Berkshire and Buckinghamshire today.

Samantha will oversee the Free Press as well as Reading Chronicle, Slough Observer and Bracknell News titles after leaving her current role as Deputy Editor at Newsquest daily newspaper, Dorset Echo, next month.

During her time with the company, Samantha has been named Newsquest Journalist of the Year, Dorset Journalist of the Year and has been shortlisted for a number of other awards including the Society of Editors Young Journalist of the Year and the EDF Media Awards.

Of her new appointment, Samantha said: "This is a fantastic opportunity and I can't wait to get stuck in.

“I am looking forward to working with the talented teams at Newsquest Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, and MD Chris Moore, as we drive digital growth, produce quality print products and continually strive for excellence.

“We aim to be the best source of local news, the number one stop for everything Berkshire and Buckinghamshire; campaigning titles at the heart of their local communities."

Managing Director Chris Moore said: "Samantha was an excellent candidate for this role and brings with her the skills, experience and ideas to lead these titles through an exciting period of growth and innovation."