A fortnightly newspaper launched in a reverse publishing venture by a hyperlocal website has celebrated its 100th edition.

The Caerphilly Observer, which began as a hyperlocal website, is celebrating the milestone four years after it made the move into print.

The free paper, which has a circulation of 10,000 copies, was set up in 2013 after funding was granted by a rural development programme run by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The Observer was founded as an online outlet in 2009, but since the launch of its print title has moved into its own dedicated office and taken on staff.

Publisher and editor Richard Gurner said: “Four years since we launched the print edition and we are still going strong. Being an independently produced newspaper, we are hugely proud of what we have been able to achieve – especially against a backdrop of industry cutbacks and downsizing.

“We are proof that there is still a huge demand from readers for local news and a huge desire from local advertisers to be featured in local media.”

He added: “I’d just like to thank everyone involved with Caerphilly Observer for our success. Without our readers, advertisers, and distribution outlets we would be nothing.

“I am born and bred from Caerphilly and it fills me with pride when people approach me in the street to tell me how much they love the newspaper. All I have ever wanted to do was produce a newspaper that Caerphilly County Borough deserves.

“There are so many stories from our communities that need to be told – from the local Scout group litter picking, to the pay scandal at the top of Caerphilly County Borough Council. We try and cover everything, but again, without everyone’s support it would be pointless.”