A regional daily has taken inspiration from a classic sitcom to spread a councillor’s message to panic buyers.

The Grimsby Telegraph ran a Dad’s Army-themed splash yesterday after shoppers began stockpiling toilet roll on its patch.

The Telegraph reported how North East Lincolnshire Council member Ron Shepherd had “become the area’s own Corporal Jones, telling people ‘Don’t Panic!’ as coronavirus cases increase nationwide”.

Lance Corporal Jack Jones, played by Clive Dunn, was known for using the catchphrase in the programme, centred around a fictional Home Guard platoon in the Second World War.

The splash was designed by Telegraph sub-editor Paul Speed working on an idea from Jamie Macaskill, Reach plc’s editor in Hull and Grimsby.

Pete Barnatt, head of circulation for Reach in Humber & the North East, told HTFP yesterday: “Today’s front page of the Grimsby Telegraph is absolutely superb and so refreshing to see a humorous tone on a serious subject.

“I’m sure it will resonate with our readers and might even put a smile on their face at this difficult time.

“The Grimsby Telegraph has been one of Reach plc’s best performing dailies since March and this is testament to the quality of the front pages.”

Councillor Shepherd told the Telegraph: “There is no need for people to panic, panic buy, or panic in any other way, shape, or form.”

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