Staff at the Yorkshire Post are preparing to celebrate an important milestone in the newspaper’s history, as it reaches its 250th anniversary.

The broadsheet newspaper – which was first known as the Leeds Intelligencer – was founded on July 2, 1754, and finishing touches are currently being made to a special birthday issue of the title which will be published tomorrow.

The special edition will include a 20-page supplement looking back at the history of the paper, and will also contain memories from readers and past and present staff.

A number of celebrities and politicians have also sent their congratulations to the paper ahead of the celebrations, including Tony Blair, Richard Whiteley, Geoffrey Boycott and Barbara Taylor Bradford.

And Prince Charles – who opened the Post’s current Wellington Street headquarters in 1970 – has penned a special 300-word message congratulating the paper on its historic anniversary.

He told the Post: “It is an enormous achievement to have survived so long in what, I can well imagine, is a competitive market and it is a refreshing example of how honest, community-orientated reporting can be commercially successful…

“I could not be more pleased that you are celebrating your 250th anniversary in a spirit of optimism and I do hope that you will continue to flourish.”

A commemorative book is due
to be published later this year

The Yorkshire Post is the second oldest daily in the United Kingdom – after the Belfast News Letter which first appeared in 1737.

After being founded as the weekly Leeds Intelligencer in 1754, the Post became a daily and adopted its present title in 1866, before absorbing the old Leeds Mercury in 1939.

There have been 19 editors during its history – 11 since it became known as the Yorkshire Post – including current editor Rachael Campey who became the first woman to take on the role when she was appointed last year.

Rachael said: “Going through the paper’s history is a reminder of its great tradition, its importance to Yorkshire and the role it plays in so many people’s lives.

“We are all tremendously proud to be celebrating its 250th birthday.”

Former Yorkshire Post features editor Michael Hickling, who has worked at the paper for more than 20 years, has also put together a special 250th anniversary book – Reporting Yorkshire – which is due to be published in the autumn.