Aneurin Evans, (56), was appointed editor of the Cardigan-based Tivy-Side Advertiser on December 3, 1976, when the paper was a family-owned independent black and white broadsheet printed by hot metal in a printing works behind its town offices.

Today, 30 years on, the Tivy-Side is owned by Newsquest, and is a colour tabloid printed at its regional HQ in Newport.

It is one of the few weekly papers in the country that has seen its circulation increase in the past year, currently selling 8,557 copies a week.

More than 50 past and present staff members attended a surprise party to mark the anniversary.

Deputy editor Sue Lewis said: “Aneurin has ensured that the Tivy-Side has gone from strength to strength in the past 30 years.

“The number of people who attended the party and who have sent messages underline the loyalty and affection he inspires.”