A regional daily newspaper welcomed back a Royal visitor to its offices after 25 years to mark its 125th anniversary.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, visited the offices of Sheffield daily The Star on Thursday to mark this year’s milestone.

The Duke was introduced to long-service employees and senior management at the title, including Johnston Press chairman Ian Russell and Sheffield Newspapers MD John Bills.

His last visit to the paper was 25 years ago when the paper marked its centenary and he was invited to see the huge changes in the newspaper industry since then.

Editor Jeremy Clifford said: “We were delighted the Duke of York was able to revisit The Star’s offices to help us to mark our 125th anniversary.

“Our industry has changed significantly since his first visit 25 years ago and he was keen to learn about how The Star and its staff have adapted to those changes.

“His Royal Highness left with an understanding of the important role we play not only as a newspaper but as a media provider and our enduring role in the community.

“It was a privilege for The Star to have been awarded a royal visit in this important year and I would like to thank all those who worked so hard to make the event a success.”

During his visit, the Duke took a tour of the York Street offices, meeting staff from its editorial, advertising, newspaper sales and marketing departments.

Prince Andrew also took part in a round table discussion about the newspaper industry and a Q&A session with budding journalists from Sheffield College.

The Duke, who was accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, David Moody, also unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit and The Star’s anniversary.

Earlier this year, the paper had a high-speed train named after it to mark the anniversary.