The Scunthorpe Telegraph is celebrating its 70th anniversary, marking the occasion with a specially-produced supplement, exhibition and open day.

On Saturday the paper published 12 pages looking back at the major stories it has covered since its launch on September 8, 1937, including an explosion at a chemical plant near Scunthorpe in 1974, which killed 28 people.

The supplement also included messages from editor Jane Manning and managing director Steve Hollingsworth, a letter of congratulations from the Queen and articles written by long-serving sports editor Bob Steels and features writer Hazel Tomlins.

The paper’s very first front page was also reproduced, featuring headlines such as ‘Scunthorpe fatality presents strange identity problem’ and ‘Duke of Windsor visits Budapest’, as well as Grimsby fish market prices.

In her message, editor Jane Manning said: “Here at the Scunthorpe Telegraph we are immensely proud to have been representing the local area for the past 70 years.

“As a trusted local newspaper with a loyal readership, our position at the heart of the local community is unrivalled.”

An exhibition marking the anniversary will begin next week, at the North Lincolnshire Museum in Oswald Road, Scunthorpe.

70 Years of Scunthorpe Telegraph will feature photographs of major events and front pages from the past 70 years, and will run for a month, Tuesday to Sunday.

Local dignitaries and former employees will also gather for an open day by invitation at the Telegraph’s offices on October 5.