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89-year-old copy of regional newspaper found in loft

Chronicle BlythAn edition of a regional daily dating from the 1920s was among a treasure trove of newspapers discovered by a builder renovating a roof.

John Lynn found a copy of The Chronicle, Newcastle, dated 1926, along with a number of editions of the Berwick Advertiser.

The discovery was made was made by John, pictured above left reading his find, while carrying out a minor refurbishment on an upholsterer’s in Blyth, Northumberland.

The copies of the Advertiser have now been moved to a museum in Berwick.

The Chronicle of 6 October 1926 was well-preserved enough for John to read.

It contains a story documenting the Health Ministry’s concern that 658 babies born in Newcastle’s Princess Mary Maternity Hospital were not receiving vaccinations.

Another report features a court case in which 21 men were fined for stealing coal.

The building where the hoard was found dates back to 1890.

David Wilkinson, general manager of the group which owns the property, told The Chronicle: “John came across a number of old newspapers in the roof, including a page of the Evening Chronicle and a number of editions of the Berwick Advertiser which are now being housed in a museum up in Berwick.”

He added: “From time to time we do come across discoveries like this, and whenever it is nostalgic or historic we do try to hold on to it.”

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