The Leicester Mercury has been meeting some of its most loyal readers.

Following a story in the paper featuring Roy and Marguerite Webb, who have been reading the paper every day for the last 52 years, the Mercury has been inundated with calls from readers claiming to beat the tally.

So far Walter Muston, (91), holds the record after revealing he started reading the paper 77 years ago at the age of 14.

Mr Muston said: “My family moved to Leicester in 1924 and started getting the Mercury delivered. I was fascinated by the football news from Filbert Street so I made sure I grabbed the paper before anyone else.

“The paper could be the highlight of the day, and it was always really exciting to hear the Mercury man shouting “Sports Mercury” by the clock tower on a Saturday. Now I still get the paper delivered and most enjoy the Mr Leicester page.”

Kathleen Martin, (85), is another long standing reader – having read every edition of the Mercury since her wedding day, 62 years ago.

She said: “My parents and my husband’s parents always had it delivered, so we did too. Over the years, the paper has only got better.

“It is extremely informative, and we even have it saved while we are on holiday so we can read it when we get back.”

Other long-standing readers include Evelyn Daniel, (90), who bought her first Mercury 75 years ago, and Helda and Charles Daw, both 90, who began to have the Mercury delivered on April 17, 1947.

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