A group of former regional press staff have launched their fourth publication after just over a year in business together.

HTFP reported last year how David Lee-Birch and Tracy Leonard set up Oswestry Life after losing their jobs at Shropshire Review magazine, when its parent company Reviewmedia Ltd went into voluntary liquidation.

The pair’s company DTS Media has since started a sister title to Oswestry Life called It’s Beautiful, the Bridgnorth ‘Guide to Local Connections’ and now the Oswestry ‘Guide to Local Connections’.

The Oswestry guide is the second of a series of annual directories to be published across Shropshire and was delivered to over 20,000 homes and businesses around Bridgnorth by Royal Mail last month.

David previously worked as a business manager at the Midland News Association, where he helped launch the Oswestry and Border Chronicle in 2011, while Tracy worked at the Shropshire Star for 11 years, ending her time there as advertising manager on the Newport Advertiser and the Market Drayton Advertiser.

Said David: “We are truly overwhelmed by the response and success of both magazines in such a short amount of time.

“‘The Guide to Local Connections’ fits perfect into the business model of supporting local business and providing informative content to our readers.”

Tracy added: “The following months look to be equally exciting with new products planned in both print and digital.

“All publications have grown at a phenomenal rate, we have exceeded all original goals and targets set.”