A special publication celebrating a 100-year period of a cathedral city’s history has been produced by a weekly newspaper.

The Wells Journal has printed Wonderful Wells, a 48-page supplement looking back on the history of the Somerset city between 1850 and 1950.

The publication’s start date is the same year the Journal was first printed, and has been produced with the help of historian Clare Blackmore.

Clare has previously worked with the Journal and its ex-Local World sister titles in the region on several other supplements – including one last year marking 70 years since VJ Day.

Wonderful Wells, produced by the Wells Journal

Said Clare: “In the 165 years since the Wells Journal printed its first edition it has reflected through advertising and news items the many changes in the shops and trades of the city.

“The photographic archives of the Wells and Mendip Museum have a unique collection of pictures which portray the shops in the city in past years and, together with the paper’s archives, the two combine to tell a fascinating story.”

The Journal says initial reader reaction to the supplement’s release has been “hugely positive”.

One reader, Richard Green, told the newspaper: “You have raised the bar again, in the presentation and quality of the supplement of life in Wells. I have already been asked to get extra copies, such is the professionalism of the production.”

Wonderful Wells is on sale at selected retailers priced £1, or copies can be ordered online.