A local news title that vowed to shun “inane clickbait” has reached a six-figure readership milestone after just a year in business.

The Stroud Times celebrated the achievement after being set up by three former Stroud News and Journal colleagues a year ago.

To mark the anniversary, the Times has revealed it now receives more than 100,000 monthly page views.

Editor Ash Loveridge, pictured, has now thanked readers for their support during the free-to-view website’s first 12 months.

From left: Matt Bigwood, Ash Loveridge and Carl Hewlett

Ash said: “We asked Stroud and the surrounding district if it wanted a new independent news website that is devoid of inane clickbait and pop-up adverts, and the resounding answer was, and continues to be, yes.

“After a roller-coaster start and an incredibly busy year covering such a range of events, I find it hard to believe we’re already here, celebrating our first birthday.

“Our one-year anniversary is a testament to the dedication and incredible support we receive from our readers, which was overwhelming on day one and has remained so ever since.

“Our website’s audience continues to grow and we especially want to thank all our advertising partners and of course, our readers who have supported us in our journey so far, we look ahead to a bright future.”

Ash launched the Times with journalist Matt Bigwood and photographer Carl Hewlett last year.

At the time, they vowed to focus on “engaging human interest stories, comprehensive sports coverage, supporting and championing local businesses’ success, and leading the way with high-quality photography and video”.

Speaking to HTFP, Ash said: “It’s great to have marked our first anniversary. The appetite for proper journalism has seen our readers flock to our website in a very short space of time went from zero to more than 100,000 monthly page views – and this has been increasing month on month.

“Readers are fed up with clickbait and stories harvested from social media. We actually engage with our audience face-to-face and offer unrivalled high-quality video interviews.

“We’ve had some great comments from readers, such as: ‘Yes, great local journalism and authentic – not the clickbait of other providers,’ ‘Well done guys, keep exploring new avenues’ and ‘What a fantastic achievement, thank you so very much.

“It means a lot to have you working so hard in support of our community. Keep up the amazing work.'”