FORMER news paperman Peter Rawlinson has been appointed to a top job with Chrysler Jeep Automotive.

Mr Rawlinson, 38, will take over his role as senior manager of press and public relations later this month and will work in the company's Brussels office.

He currently lives in Reigate, Surrey, with his Burnley-born wife Melanie, the daughter of Clarets soccer legend Jimmy Robson.

Mr Rawlinson, a former Burnley Grammar School pupil, joined Chrysler in 1991 when the company first signed the contract to import vehicles to the UK.

He had worked as a freelance reporter, providing court reports for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in the 1980s.

After moving on from newspaper journalism he worked for Your Car and Fast Car motoring magazines and began his career in public relations in 1987 with Rolls Royce and later joined Fiat.

He said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with Chrysler Jeep Imports so I'm delighted that an opportunity has arisen to achieve the best of both worlds, advancing my career while still maintaining contact with the many friends and colleagues I've made over the past nine years working with Chrysler Jeep in the UK."

Stephen Bartoli, the director of brand management for Chrysler Jeep Automotive said: "This is a fantastic opportunity which allows Peter to use his successful experience in the UK within the broader context of the European market."

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