An independent local newspaper launched in the year of an infamous bombing atrocity in the town has celebrated a quarter of a century in print.

The South Warrington News has marked its 25th anniversary, with a special masthead appearing on the monthly’s title’s February 2018 edition.

Published by North West News Limited, the free tabloid was launched in 1993 – the same year as the IRA bombed the Cheshire town – while an e-edition has also been available since 2005.

It is distributed to 40 areas incorporating the towns of Warrington, Northwich, Knutsford and Runcorn and their outlying areas.

Owner and editor Brigid Hardman said: “My initial aim was to give the areas their own voice and identity.

“However, the newspaper continues to grow not only geographically but also in stature and circulation and I am delighted it still plays an active role in keeping businesses and communities thriving and interacting.

“We are proud to uphold the traditional values of print journalism and do not link up with digital media nor publish rolling news.

“This way, we retain the principles of how a newspaper used to be and believe should be produced.”