A weekly newspaper has left its offices of 50 years for what it terms a new “town centre” location.

The Leigh Journal will now be based on Bold Street in the Lancashire town, having previously been stationed on Railway Road.

As a result of the move, the Newsquest-owned title’s new offices will be open four days a week, including Fridays for the first time.

Editor Lynn Ashwell described the move as an “exciting time” for the newspaper.

Leigh Journal staff outside the new office

She said: “The Leigh Journal has always had a strong connection to the community so we are delighted to be opening the new office in the town centre.

“If you have an advert or a story for us then please feel free to pop in and have a chat. We are delighted to be able to have a continued presence in the town centre.”

The office will be closed to the public on Wednesdays, but three reception staff have been retained following the move.

One of them, Anita Stokes, said: “The office is in a great location. We hope that all our loyal readers continue to come in to see us and that the office here thrives for as long, if not longer, than the previous one.”