Publisher Archant has confirmed a successful year of trading by sending out its official report of increased profits and turnover for 2004 to shareholders and all employees.
The final results show a year of notable progress for the group, where turnover for Archant businesses was £185.6m (up 17.4 per cent on 2003). Group operating profit was £32.7m (up 20.7 per cent on 2003) and profit before tax was £32.4m (up 16.9 per cent). Profit after tax was up 27.4 per cent at £26m.

The NewquayVoice – a three-year-old paid-for title – has had a ten-year dream realised after its group was awarded a license to operate Cornwall’s second commercial radio station.
The successful bid for the 12-year license by Atlantic Broadcasting, backed by the Tindle Radio Group, means the new station Atlantic FM will be on air by early 2006.

The Bristol Evening Post has presented a 5,000-signature petition to defence secretary Geoff Hoon calling for the Back Badge battle honour of the former Glorious Glosters Army regiment to be saved.
The Glorious Glosters regiment has recently become part of the Royal Berkshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Regiment as a result of the Government’s shake-up of the armed forces.

Cumberland and Westmorland Herald photographer Fred Wilson was introduced to Prince Charles after snapping the Royal family for the past 26 years.
Fred was presented to the prince during his visit to a craft workshop in the village of Braithwaite in the Lake District.