Rebekah Brooks is returning as chief executive of Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper empire - a year after she was cleared of all charges in the phone-hacking trial.

Born in Warrington, she was just a 14-year-old schoolgirl when she decided she wanted to become a reporter - even doing some work experience here at the Warrington Guardian.

She later became editor of the News of the World aged just 31.

While at the helm she launched a "naming and shaming" campaign identifying paedophiles following the murder of schoolgirl Sarah Payne.

The campaign boosted circulation and eventually led to new legislation - known as Sarah's Law - but was blamed by some for sparking vigilantism and even thwarting police investigations.

In 2003 Ms Brooks became the first female editor of The Sun, before becoming chief executive of News International in 2009, running Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper empire.

She resigned in 2011 at the height of the hacking scandal, and later stood trial and was cleared of any involvement in the conspiracy.

She has been appointed chief executive of News UK, publisher of The Sun, The Times and Sunday Times newspapers, and will start on Monday.

Meanwhile, Former Daily Telegraph editor Tony Gallagher will become editor of The Sun, Britain's largest-selling daily newspaper, the company said.

Ms Brooks said she is excited to return to work.

"I am delighted to return to News UK," she said. "It is a privilege to be back amongst the most talented journalists and executives in the business.

"I am confident that we can meet the many challenges of this digital age with a combination of cutting edge technologies and world class journalism."

Robert Thomson, chief executive of parent company News Corp, said: "Her expertise, excellence and leadership will be crucial as we work to extend our relationship with readers and advertisers, and develop our digital platforms to take full advantage of our brilliant journalism."

Ms Brooks replaces Mike Darcey, who is leaving after three years at the head of News UK.