BBC Cumbria Managing Editor appointed

BBC Radio Manchester Assistant Editor Mark Elliott has been appointed Managing Editor of BBC Cumbria.

Mark has worked in BBC Local Radio for more than 20 years, the last 12 in Manchester & previously as a producer and News Editor at Radio Cumbria.

Phil Roberts, Head of Region for the North East & Cumbria said: “Mark has passion and great affection for both the county and the radio station. He brings a wealth of management experience as well as a vision to serve the audience in a distinctive and compelling way.”

Mark said: “I’m delighted to be making a return. I loved working at Radio Cumbria – it’s a great local station which is well-loved by the listeners and deserves its excellent reputation and standing in the community. I’m very much looking forward to renewing old friendships and forging some new ones too.”

BBC Tees’ Assistant Editor Dan Thorpe takes over the position of Acting Editor at the station while Matthew Barraclough is on attachment to BBC Newcastle for the next 12 months. Dan has been at BBC Tees for 18 months, having previously worked in the North East at TFM and Metro Radio. More recently, he was the Programme Controller of Heart in Suffolk before returning to the North East to join BBC Tees.

Phil Roberts, Head of Region for the North East & Cumbria said: “Dan knows the area well having worked for both the BBC and commercial radio in the region. He is passionate about audiences across Teesside, North Yorkshire and County Durham. He is an exceptionally strong editorial leader with some great outstanding editorial moments planned in the year ahead including covering the Olympic Torch relay.”

Dan said: “I have seen over the last 18 months what a talented and hard-working team we have at BBC Tees, so it’s a very proud moment to be asked to take the reins and ensure we continue to deliver news and programming that’s relevant to the people of Teesside, North Yorkshire and County Durham.”

Matthew Barraclough becomes Acting Editor of BBC Newcastle while Andrew Robson takes on a year’s attachment as Head of BBC Local Radio Development.