An Olympic champion and a broadcasting legend helped a weekly newspaper celebrate its 275th birthday at a charity ball.

The Western Gazette traces its origins back to the Sherborne Mercury which launched in 1737 and it celebrated the anniversary with a commemorative supplement in December.

The title has now held a charity ball in Yeovil which was attended by Olympic shooting champion Peter Wilson and former Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton.

Thousands of pounds were raised for two local charities at the event – St Margaret’s Hospice and the Flying Colours appeal for a new special care baby unit at Yeovil District Hospital.

Speaking to guests, editor Emma Slee said: “Can you imagine life without the local media?

“Who would be there to hold authorities to account? Who would encourage freedom of speech in a rigorously monitored environment to ensure accuracy, fairness and impartiality? What other source of news would you turn to with confidence that the information you are reading is correct?”

Olympic champion Peter Wilson, back, is pictured with, from left, Sarah Pullen, managing director of the title, broadcaster Val Singleton and editor Emma Slee.