The Leicester Mercury has launched an online family announcements service.
In addition to offering a standard message, the website allow readers to post photographs, invite others to send messages of congratulation or condolence, and set reminders for anniversaries. More traditional bookings are also welcome.

PA Entertainment, a division of The Press Association, has launched two new free entertainments supplements for use by the regional press.
Big Brother and Summer Festivals are follow-ups to the successful inaugural entertainment release celebrating the 20th anniversary of EastEnders in March. The latest offerings are both camera-ready four page editorially-driven specials in the same vein as the already-established sponsored sports supplements released each year by PA.

The Office of Fair Trading has issued a consultation document on competition law concerning exclusive distribution arrangements between newspaper and magazine publishers and wholesalers.
The OFT believes current distribution agreements for newspapers will satisfy the criteria for exemption under the Competition Act. Under existing distribution agreements, newspapers and magazines are distributed to retailers through a system of protected exclusive territories. This means that a retailer must use the wholesaler allocated to its area and is prevented from seeking a better deal elsewhere. Absolute territorial protection would normally be banned under competition law.
But the OFT feels distribution agreements for magazines could need amendment, with retailers becoming free to seek better deals.

The Press Association has reported an increase in operating profit, which rose by five per cent to £5.9m from £5.6m in 2003.
Group turnover also increased from £65.2m in 2003 to £69.7m. The company is proposing a trading dividend of £3m for shareholders.

More than 1,400 people took part in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner’s Charity Challenge, walking, cycling and horse-riding for good causes.
Sponsorship and donations raised in excess of £50,000.