W wins PR account for Johnston Press

W will work with the group on a retained basis to boost its online and digital services and adapt to changes within the publishing industry.

It is the first time an agency has been appointed by the company, which owns news brands including The Yorkshire Post.

Warren Johnson, founder and chief executive of W, added: "From HS2 and George Osborne’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’ plan, to the 2015 general election, the political agenda is increasingly preoccupied with the future of the regions. Johnston Press’ unique position in local markets across the country will make it a crucial voice in these debates and we’re hugely excited to be working with it to highlight its unprecedented local knowledge and expertise."

W will also work to position the group's chief executive, Ashley Highfield, and the senior team as a key voice on the UK’s local economies in the run-up to next year’s general election.

Lucy Sinclair, chief marketing officer, Johnston Press, said: "We were impressed with W’s energy and business insight and are looking forward to working with it during what is an enormously exciting phase of transformation for our business."