A weekly newspaper group in the North-West has published a special supplement designed to highlight ‘good news stories’ about people on its patch.

The Champion Group, whose titles include the Southport Champion, has come up with a ‘Winners’ edition featuring positive stories about the area including local businesses that have survived the recession and voluntary efforts by local community groups.

At the same time, the family-owned group is also offering readers the chance to become ‘winners’ themselves with a range of prizes including £1,250 cash and a holiday for two in the Canaries.

The 104-page edition also included a World Cup supplement produced exclusively in-house, together with a property supplement.

The paper said in a page one editorial: “We want to share with readers and advertisers the many success stories that abound in our publication area.

“We want to highlight the thrivers and survivors in the business community as we come out of recession – the movers and shakers who have defied the doom and gloom and come out smiling. The kind and caring people always willing to go that extra mile to help others. The many positive things people in Champion Land are doing for their community.”

Champion Media Group managing director, Betty Drummond, said: ” I am so proud of the Champion team – they are always full of good ideas and this special edition goes beyond my expectations in many ways. It is packed with good news and positive stories.

“I know it will generate excellent results for our advertisers and will be a really enjoyable and exciting experience for our readers too.”