Former regional press staff have celebrated the start of their third year in business by publishing the “largest ever” publication for their patch.

HTFP reported in 2017 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 subsequently launched their own company, called DTS Media, and have launched three titles – Oswestry Life, It’s Beautiful and the annual Oswestry Guide to Local Connections.

The Guide is the second directory to be published in and round Oswestry, and next month will be delivered to 20,174 homes and businesses.

David previously worked as a business manager at the Midland News Association, where he helped launch the now-defunct 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 all our publications 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.”