A regional daily has been successful in getting a football fanzone set up in the city it serves.

The South Wales Argus yesterday launched a campaign for a public viewing area to be set up in Newport prior to Wales’s next European Championship match.

Less than 24 hours later, Newport City Council has announced a fanzone will be set up when the Welsh side face Belgium in the quarter-final on Friday night.

A giant screen will be erected at Rodney Parade, home of Newport County FC, after Argus editor Kevin Ward spoke to key figures in the city yesterday about the idea.

The announcement was revealed in today’s edition, pictured above.

In an editorial for yesterday’s edition, pictured below, editor Kevin Ward called for fanzones to be set up after thousands watched the Northern Ireland match at similar areas in Cardiff, Swansea and the Monmouthshire town of Caldicot.

Wrote Kevin: “We understand Monmouthshire County Council is attempting to organise three fanzones on Friday. Good for them. All the fanzones have been packed with people and atmosphere and there has been no hint of trouble. They’ve been fun.

“Newport is the third biggest city in Wales. A fanzone would be hugely popular and there are plenty of places where it could be staged, even if the city centre is deemed to be the wrong venue.

“We are sure the city council, the police and whoever else needs to be involved can set this up. It would be hugely popular.

“Let’s not be put in the shade by our neighbours. Let’s show some ambition as a city and some pride in our national team. And let’s have a party on Friday night.”