Local dignitaries have been paying tribute to the Leigh Journal as it celebrates its first birthday.

The 20p paper which is published every Friday is exactly one year old – and has clearly been hitting the spot with the community it serves.

North West Euro MP Terry Wynn regularly contributes to the Journal with updates on the European Parliament.

He said: “I would like to congratulate the Journal on the first anniversary of the Friday edition.

“The Journal is certainly a paper that I reach for on my return from parliament in Brussels. It keeps me up to date with local news.”

Wigan Council Leader Lord Peter Smith said: “I have enjoyed the coverage in the new paper which has a proven quality of reporting and has managed to get the major stories to the people.

Worsley MP Terry Lewis said: “A community needs this type of voice – a paid for local paper is a most welcome and important asset in our midst.”

Greater Manchester Fire Authority chairman Fred Walker said: “I think it’s miles better than anything else.

“The concentration on getting a full story in is very welcome. The paid for paper is a positive move and very welcome.

“The fact that people go out and buy it because they want to read it should be an added attraction to advertisers.”

One of the area’s most outspoken politicians also counts himself as a fan of the paper.

Councillor Brian Jarvis, said: “The people within my social circle go out to buy the Friday edition and – no disrespect to the other free papers – the Journal is a far superior newspaper. The professionalism of the journalism is to be applauded.”

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or to e-mail us now – click here