Two sister dailies and their companion website have celebrated the arrival of “England’s biggest event” to their patch.

Newcastle-based dailies The Journal and The Chronicle have welcomed the Great Exhibition of the North to the banks of the River Tyne, along with their Chronicle Live sister site.

Both print titles carried front page coverage of the exhibition launch on Friday, as well as a special supplement showcasing advance and informational content about the programme which has been written and curated over several months by the Newcastle digital newsroom.

Chronicle Live live blogged the launch programme throughout opening weekend, as well as engaging readers on social media via Facebook Live, Instagram stories and Twitter moments showcasing the highlights.

The Journal’s front page on Friday

Helen Dalby, senior editor and head of digital for the Chronicle, Journal and Teesside Gazette, said: “Our extensive coverage of the Great Exhibition of the North has been a fantastic collaboration between editorial and commercial teams, and across our digital, print, video and social media platforms.

“Championing the North East and celebrating its achievements is a central brand value for our titles, so today is a perfect opportunity to recognise the significance of England’s biggest event of 2018 coming to our region.

“It’s an exciting day for us and we’re proud to use the power of our brands to welcome such an important event for the North.”

Reach plc’s Newcastle-based editorial team also coordinated coverage across other digital platforms in the North of England including Hull Live and Leeds Live, as well as the websites of the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Manchester Evening News and Liverpool Echo.