The Southern Daily Echo in Southampton has published a supplement targeted at the growing Polish community in its circulation area.

Written in Polish with English translation, the eight-page pull-out contained news, views, comment, advice and contact information.

It is thought to be the first of its kind in the regional press.

Even the adverts were translated into English and Polish.

The guide was designed to welcome the thousands of Polish people who have decided to settle in Southampton and the surrounding area.

It was backed by Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council.

Southern Daily Echo editor-in-chief Ian Murray said: "There are conflicting reports how many Poles now live in the Southampton area, but the numbers are significant and could be anywhere between 15,000 and 25,000.

"We want this new and welcome community to look on the Daily Echo as its paper and representing their views as much as any other part of the community.

"I did not want us to publish a supplement purely in Polish as this would exclude the majority population.

"We have published the supplement on our website and are exploring whether we should have a Polish service on the Daily Echo’s website for general news, information and advertising."