THE Gazette has appointed a Community Editor to help build closer links around the area covered by the newspaper.

He is Mort Smith, from Ashford, Middlesex, an experienced journalist who has worked on various papers in the Trinity Mirror group.

Mort will become a familiar face around the Hillingdon area as he builds contacts with a whole variety of community groups and he clearly has a passion for demonstrating how the newspaper can make a difference by bringing community matters to the forefront of people's attention.

He said: "In these difficult economic times, it demonstrates just how important the papers think community involvement is that they have created this new post.

"I'm relishing the challenge of getting to know the area and of understanding the issues which are important to the people who live there. And I'm really keen to hear from anyone organising a community event or working to improve the community spirit within our towns and villages.

"I think it's vital that we get back to basics and make a little more time to get involved with the places where we live. If I can help that process by providing some much-needed publicity, then I'll be delighted to do so."

You can contact Mort by email at mortsmith@trinitysouth.co.uk or via his mobile 07760 361106.