A reunion is being planned this autumn for journalists who worked on Europe's first free city daily newspaper, the Birmingham Daily News.

Set up in 1984 by Midlands newspaper entrepreneur Chris Bullivant and former Reed Midland Newspaper group editorial director David Scott, it was distributed to more than 300,000 homes in Birmingham and Solihull from Tuesday to Friday each week.

The paper won numerous awards but fell victim to the recession of the early 1990s and in May 1991, Reed decided to end its daily status and convert it into the weekly Metronews.

The 10th anniversary of the paper's demise passed without being marked because of national distractions such as foot-and-mouth, county council elections and the timing of a General Election - which all kept journalists busy.

But the paper created lasting friendships and some of those who worked on the paper feel the 10th anniversary of its closure shouldn't go unmarked.

So a reunion is being suggested for late September or early October.

A venue, possibly The Unspoilt by Progress, the Daily News newsroom's favourite Hagley Road watering hole opposite the paper's Francis Road premises, is being looked into. The event is likely to be held on a Saturday night and there is the possibility of accommodation being arranged at one of the nearby hotels/guest houses on Hagley Road for people to make the best of the weekend.

The organisers are hoping this will be a good chance to renew acquaintances and enjoy a chat and a laugh about old times.

But they do need to know that sufficient people will be there to make it a success.

If you are interested it is important that you let them know as soon as possible.

Contact Mark Higgitt via e-mail on mark.higgitt@newsquestmidlands.co.uk leaving a phone number and address where you can be contacted by the end of August and the organisers will swing into action.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nepmidlands.co.uk