A blue plaque honouring the founder of a weekly newspaper has been unveiled to mark its 158th anniversary.

The plaque has been put in place in honour of Ann Hinchcliffe, who published the first issue of the Rotherham Advertiser in 1858.

Ann, who died in 1873 aged 69, ran a printers at the back of a stationery and book shop when she published the first issue.

The first issue cost a penny and comprised four pages, with stories covering the Crimean War and the news that Florence Nightingale had been presented with a canteen of cutlery for services to the wounded.

Advertiser editor Andrew Mosley, right, with Rotherham District Civic Society secretary Peter Hawkridge

Current Advertiser editor Andrew Mosley said: “Over the years, the nature of the paper, its size, content and the company itself has changed dramatically.

“But its focus has always remained on Rotherham and reporting the news that affects the people that live here.

“None of this would be possible were it not for Ann. The blue plaque will ensure her name and her contribution to the history of Rotherham is forever remembered.”

The plaque is the result of a joint project between the Advertiser and the Rotherham District Civic Society.

Civic society secretary Peter Hawkridge said: “It is important to remember the contribution made by women to the development of Rotherham.

“When Ann established the Advertiser, she was 53 years old. It was quite a tremendous achievement for a lady at that stage of her life.

“Rotherham has been seen in many respects as having a history focused on its men. We must also recognise the contributions and achievements made by women like Ann.”