A weekly newspaper will celebrate 275 years of publishing with a dinner dance for local businesses, former employees and readers.

The Western Gazette will mark the milestone anniversary with an evening which takes a step back in time, with a three-course dinner inspired by classic dishes from the centuries.

The event, to be held early next year, will see historic displays of the newspaper’s heritage from its formation to the present day.

To mark the birthday, the Gazette will also publish a souvenir supplement and has asked readers for their memories and anecdotes of the paper.

The pull-out will also include a collection of photographs of staff which have been shared with the paper by former employee Terry Penny.

Linn Hughes, head of advertising, said: “This is a significant milestone in not only the Western Gazette’s history but that of our community.

“We hope businesses and organisations that we have supported over the years join in the jubilations with us.

“The Western Gazette plays an important role in our community and this is as much a celebration for our readers and advertisers as it is for us. We hope to see them at the party.”

At the dinner dance, a charity auction will take place to raise funds for the Gazette’s two adopted causes, the Flying Colours Appeal for Yeovil Women’s Hospital and St Margaret’s Hospice.

The paper is charging people £50 for a ticket or £450 for a table of ten.