A weekly newspaper that has an all-female editorial team has launched a campaign to keep women and girls safe.
The Comet is campaigning for the safety of women and girls against abuse and harassment, with the support of both Stevenage Borough Council and North Herts Council.
The weekly – which has editions covering Stevenage, Hitchin and Letchworth & Baldock – is led by editor Anne Suslak and is celebrating its 50th year in print.
She is supported by reporters Georgia Barrow, Louise McEvoy and Bianca Wild.
In a piece launching the campaign, Anne wrote: “Women’s safety has been at the forefront of the news recently, following the tragic kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard at the hands of a serving Met police officer.
“Incidents like this draw attention to the dangers women face when walking alone in public, but violence and verbal abuse of women is not limited to the streets.
“Our area is home to Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse, which helps support all victims of domestic abuse – an issue which disproportionately affects women.
“For the first time ever, The Comet has a female editor and an all-female reporting team, so we are especially passionate about this issue and keen to make a difference.”
The campaign’s launch comes amid a relaunch of The Comet, featuring a new design and “a renewed focus on the news that matters”.
The latest edition, pictured above, which is out today, also features a special supplement marking 50 years of the paper.
In a message to readers, Anne said: “We’re also running regular spotlights on our picturesque villages and featuring contributors from the area.
“Produced in association with Airbus in Stevenage, we are printing and distributing 113,000 copies as we urge you to support local businesses who’ve stood the test of time.
“Many of you either buy or receive a copy of The Comet every Thursday. We, and our advertisers, are genuinely grateful for your ongoing support. Others may receive a complimentary copy for the first time today as a special, one-off distribution.
“With the support of our valued readers – both new and longstanding – we have a bright future ahead, and its vital an independent press and its advertisers thrive.
“In the coming weeks we’ll also be announcing exciting online projects, so please keep visiting our website every day and keep up-to-date with breaking news.”