Celebrations have begun in Liverpool and North Wales to mark the 150th birthday of the Daily Post.

The Trinity Mirror titles were launched as one on June 11 1855, but are now managed separately after splitting into two editions in 2002, and both papers are marking the milestone in style.

Many surviving former editors of the Daily Post are to gather at the Liverpool headquarters in Old Hall Street next week to share their memories of the paper over dinner.

And a party will also be held in Liverpool to mark the birthday and the launch of the paper’s business awards, where John Sergeant – a former Daily Post journalist – will be guest of honour.

He will be joined by staff from the paper, as well as the Bishop of Liverpool, the city’s Chief Constable, and other local dignitries and business leaders.

Exhibitions have also opened in Liverpool and North Wales, charting the history of the paper through a series of dramatic front pages.

Liverpool Daily Post chief librarian Colin Hunt said: “It has been a mammoth task to go through literally thousands of editions of the Daily Post.

“Fortunately we had a pretty good idea of some of the key events we were looking for, but we have also unearthed a few surprising gems along the way.

“It isn’t just a case of looking at front pages. Like most newspapers, the Daily Post didn’t have news on its front page until the early years of the Second World War.

“Before that it was all adverts on the front, with stories like the sinking of the Titanic and Charles Dickens visiting the city tucked away inside.”

To coincide with the exhibition at North Wales’ Bodelwyddan Castle the paper has also been hosting a series of free workshops for readers, with tips on writing, photography and design.

The Welsh Daily Post is also planning a 32-page supplement which will look back at changes to the paper and North Wales, as well as its Welsh language sister title Yr Herald, which is also 150 this year.

And in Liverpool readers will be treated to six special 16-page pull-out supplements, recounting the history of the paper itself, plus changing Merseyside life in areas such as sport, business and leisure.

Acting Liverpool Daily Post editor Rob Irvine said: “The Daily Post is one of Britain’s oldest regional morning newspapers, and it has a tradition and heritage which we are all very proud of, so this birthday is a big moment for us.”