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Summer heralds record sales boost for weekly

The Sidmouth Herald is celebrating record sales and revenues over the summer months.

The Archant South West-owned title sold 7,299 copies of its August 8 edition – the highest sales figure this year to date – thanks to what it described as “good old-fashioned journalism and a cracking mix of local stories.”

It was the third week in a row that the Herald has shown an increase in sales, despite competition from a new free title.

The advertising department has also been celebrating after hitting all their revenue targets.

Acting editor Pete LeRiche put the success down to good journalism and top notch stories, including a front page campaign to save Sidmouth from an unwanted amusement arcade.

He said: “Other big stories in the August 8 paper were an exclusive about East Devon District Council planning to build 99 affordable homes in Sidmouth, a preview of the regatta, vox pops in response to proposals for a wind farm off the Sidmouth coast, and the Folk Week review supplement.

“This all goes to show that being really local, and fully aware of the issues that matter to our readers can really pay dividends. Well done to all involved,” he added.


Ayr Advertiser editor Paul Ford is moving to a new job within the Clyde and Forth Press Group.

He will take up the role of news editor at the daily Greenock Telegraph and is expected to finish his current job within the next four weeks.

Candidates can apply here before September 10.


Local newspaper journalists have been shortlisted in the annual Games Media Awards run by video games trade magazine MCV.

The finalists in the Regional Games Columnist category are: The Scotsman’s Dave Cook, Liverpool Echo’s Ewan Ross and Derek Uchman from Dundee’s Evening Telegraph and Post along with Ross Wilkinson of the Press Association and Steven Fox from the Metro.

MCV readers are now voting for their winners ahead of the awards ceremony on October 16.


A new monthly magazine about running is due out later this year.

Running Free is published by independent company Standfirst Media and will be free to pick up from sports and running shops.

Any journalists wishing to contribute stories and to discuss freelance rates can e-mail editor Julia Buckley on [email protected].


Former Meridian TV reporter turned borough councillor Sean Holden is walking with Sir Ian Botham on October 12 to raise money for Leukaemia Research.

Sean was diagnosed with the disease in 1995 but made a full recovery after undergoing chemotherapy and receiving a bone marrow transplant from his sister.

The walk takes place in Tunbridge Wells on October 12. Leukaemia Research president Sir Ian will be taking in nine UK cities from October 10 – 18 and for the first time members of the public will be able to join him on part of his walk each day.