Staff at The Watford Observer have joined in celebrations to mark the title’s 140th birthday.

As part of the birthday celebrations, the paper published a four-page spread looking back at the history of one of Watford’s oldest businesses, established by Samuel Peacock in 1863.

Longest serving staff member Oliver Phillips, who is in his 35th year with The Watford Observer, researched the humble beginnings of the newspaper and drew on his own memories to produce the four-page spread.

He said: “I was here when we celebrated 125 years and it’s always an enjoyable task looking back over old issues of the paper.

“The Watford Observer has seen many changes in the town in its long history, and will be here for many more years to come, continuing to record the development and changes of the town.”

A specially designed logo appeared on the front page and will reside there for the duration of the anniversary year.

To mark the occasion, members of staff received a commemorative mug and bookmark, displaying variations of the logo.

Pens and vintage delivery vans carrying the design have also been made, and will be given to members of the public as part of on-going promotions throughout the year.

However, the real prize for them will be to get their hands on one of the bottles of champagne also carrying the logo.

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