A weekly newspaper has marked its 150th anniversary with a £20,000 charity giveaway and the production of a special beer to mark the occasion.

The Newbury Weekly News printed a commemorative edition today, which includes a reprint of its first edition from February 1867 as well as a congratulatory message from the Queen.

The Weekly News has announced it will donate £10,000 for local good causes – with every pound match-funded by the Greenham Common Trust charity, bringing the total to £20,000.

A beer called Mr Blacket and Mr Turner, named after the newspaper’s founders, has also been produced with the West Berkshire Brewery and will be on sale in local pubs as well as the brewery’s shop.

Newbury Weekly News chief executive James Gurney said: “It’s incredible to think that the Newbury Weekly News was here before the electric lightbulb turned night into day, before telephones made it possible to communicate with anyone anywhere in the world and before the car was even invented.

“There has been so much technological development, not just in Newbury but across the globe, since the paper’s humble family beginnings. Reaching 150 years for any business is an incredible achievement, especially in today’s world, one that has been achieved because of the great emphasis placed on its original core values.

“It was established to represent the people of West Berkshire, bringing even-handed journalistic excellence and investigative reporting and giving the community a voice. I believe a local newspaper provides a true unbiased perspective, something you won’t necessarily find on the worldwide web or social media platforms.

“I hope our readers continue to value the Newbury Weekly News, continue to get enjoyment from its pages but above all continue to support and buy it for many more years to come. Perhaps 150 years from now this passage will be rewritten looking back at the next incredible evolutionary leaps mankind will have made.”

In her message, Her Majesty wrote: “wrote: “Please convey my warm congratulations to all at Newbury Weekly News as they celebrate their One-Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary.

“On this notable occasion, I have pleasure in sending my best wishes to all concerned. ELIZABETH R.”

The paper has been owned by the same family since its foundation.

NWN Limited chairman Jeremy Willis said: “What would my step great, great grandfather have to say if he had realised that five generations of his family were to passionately lead the business in to the future and that family involvement is still in place?

“One thing he would recognise is the integrity of the editorial coverage and the NWN’s focus as the medium for comment and debate.

“My sincere thanks to past and present staff for their dedication and loyalty to get us to this momentous achievement and to the community to which we serve.”