A FORMER NWN journalist has set sail on a new adventure after spending more than a decade with wild animals.

PR and marketing agency Gunsmoke Communications has been launched by Rachael Wheatley, who brings with her 20 years’ experience in journalism and public relations.

Rachael, who is North Wales born and bred and lives in Prestatyn, has worked for PR agencies in North Wales and the North West and spent 12 years as the media manager for Chester Zoo.

But her agency was inspired by the sea and takes its name from a yacht rescued by Holyhead RNLI nearly 40 years ago.

With a diploma in crisis communications from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Rachael will now be using her expertise to boost businesses and leisure attractions in North Wales.

She said: “North Wales is bountiful with businesses, organisations and leisure attractions, all with terrific stories waiting to be told.

"It’s a stand-out destination for tourists, for companies wishing to move or expand here, and for those looking to build up their customer base.

"We’re an agency with a very different, invigorating and fresh approach to PR, an approach that will really benefit this great area.”

As well as media relations, Gunsmoke provides marketing, crisis management, writing, media training and social media management.

Rachael is a former editor of the Denbighshire Free Press and news editor with the Evening Leader.

Her work on a Chester Zoo project was shortlisted for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations best use of social media award.