The Queen’s cousin Princess Alexandra is to visit the offices of a regional daily next month to help mark its 50th birthday.

The Shropshire Star, first launched as a standalone paper in 1964, is celebrating its half-century this summer.

On 10 July the Midlands News Association title will welcome Princess Alexandra to its Ketley headquarters in Telford.

The princess has strong links with Shropshire and has been a regular visitor to the county over the years.

Shropshire Star editor Martin Wright said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome such a distinguished guest to be part of this very special anniversary year for the Shropshire Star.

“It is a chance for our staff to showcase their work for the leading publisher in the county.”

The visit will include a tour of the building when the princess will have the opportunity to see how the newspaper is put together and hear a little of its history over the past half century.

She will also meet staff of the paper as well as local dignitaries.

Shropshire’s Lord Lieutenant Sir Algernon Heber-Percy said: “We are delighted and very honoured that Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra is once again coming to visit us in Shropshire.

“We all in Shropshire wish to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shropshire Star. The newspaper has been hugely supportive and helpful in the planning and coverage of our royal visits throughout all those years.

“We are thrilled that Her Royal Highness is going to visit their offices and meet many of the staff of the newspaper which will help highlight the big birthday. I look forward to the day very much.”