Andy Blow, who helped organise the reunion and worked on the Chronicle in the 1960s, told HoldtheFrontPage: "The event was organised to be 'the last page in the book' as the long story of the Lincolnshire Chronicle closed.

"It will prove to future generations that someone cared.

"Although it was a give-away when it closed, people had paid for it for generations and were pleased to pay for it - it was like a weekly visit from a friend.

"It was a very special, unique evening."

The event was held at the KC bar at Lincoln City's Sincil Bank ground, and guests were welcomed with a speech from Andy before Peter Wright JP OBE toasted the Chronicle on behalf of readers and contributors.

Those attending included former Yorkshire TV presenter Alan Hardwick, Mike Maloney, who went on to be chief photographer of the Daily Mirror, and Michael Boughen, the production editor of Channel 4 Lunchtime News.

The former Mayor of Lincoln, journalist and councillor Donald Nannestad, Kate Morgan, of the Guardian/Observer group and Daily Express reporter Tony Brooks.

Among the memorabilia was an album of photographs brought in by Tony Robinson, whose family owned the Chronicle when it was part of the Lincolnshire Standard Group.

Former Daily Express reporter Peter Welbourn brought along the letter offering him a job on the Chronicle in 1954, which caused amusement among fellow guests because of the rates of pay on offer at the time.