An independent newspaper group which started up in a garden shed is to hold a party this week to marks its 20th birthday.

The Champion Media Group grew from humble beginnings to become the largest independent publisher in the North West, with 166,000 copies of its titles delivered free each week.

Based in Southport, the group was initially based in a garden shed and two bedrooms in the town’s Scarisbrick Hotel.

However it has ucked the trend of newspaper groups in recent years by enjoying steady circulation growth, expanding its titles and taking on more staff.

Managing Director Betty Drummond, said: “I am delighted that we are here to celebrate this milestone event.

“The launch of the Champion and it’s early history is a well documented story of David and Goliath. Just a handful of redundant newspaper staff with no money and no premises daring to take on their mighty and very successful rivals and succeeding.”