Staff at the Hartlepool Mail found themselves making the news instead of writing it this week after Hartlepool United clinched promotion to Division One.

A BBC camera crew visited the Mail’s offices to film editor Joy Yates and the paper’s sports team as they reviewed Monday’s issue, which featured extensive coverage of the football club’s achievement.

Deputy chief photographer Frank Reid, who has photographed Pools for 23 years, was also interviewed.

As a result the Mail featured on local television news programme BBC Look North. It also made an appearance on ITV news bulletin North East Tonight.

Joy told HoldtheFrontPage: “Hartlepool is really buzzing and the Mail is covering Pools success every step of the way.”

The club’s promotion is the fourth in its 99-year history, and it is also pushing to clinch the League Two title and lift silverware for the first time.

The Mail reported the promotion win on Monday’s front and back page, and in addition it featured heavily in its sports pull-out, with four pages of pictures and reaction.

Online coverage has included video footage of a local band who have launched a single to celebrate the success of Hartlepool United and the feelgood factor around the town.

Mail Pools writer Michael Gannon said: “It’s great to be part of this exciting time which will hopefully be an historic one for the club.”

Frank added: “Being interviewed was different and exciting. I felt it gave me the chance to get over my point that as a press photographer I have responsibilities to the paper as well as being an excited fan on the sideline.

“We have three games left and destiny is in our hands. But I’ve got to remember not to get too carried away and to capture the moment for history!”

Scunthorpe United’s promotion to the Championship was also recorded for posterity by the Scunthorpe Telegraph.

A 2-0 victory against Huddersfield Town on Saturday ensured the Iron a top two finish in League One and means the club will return to the second tier of English football for the first time in more than 40 years.

The win was marked with a special eight-page pull-out as well as making the front and back pages.

Its online coverage included fans pictures, picture slideshows, vox pops and a video of fans celebrating on the pitch sent in by a reader.

The Telegraph is also planning an end of season souvenir special in partnership with the club.

It will be available after the last match of the season has been played, and will include coverage of a victory parade and player of the year celebrations.

Editor Jane Manning said: “It seems to have had a positive effect on sales.

“The club’s promotion has created a buzz in the town and we want to reflect that.”

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