A weekly newspaper marked 250 years in business by throwing its doors open to readers – including one who used to live in its office.

The Hampshire Chronicle held an open day to celebrate the milestone, with members of the public getting a look around the office and quizzing reporters on how the Winchester-based paper is put together.

Cakes and biscuits were on offer as well as archives of editions from the past quarter of a millennium.

Among those to turn up was 86-year-old Mary Tutton, who told Chronicle journalists she used to live in the building, at 5 Upper Brook Street, when she was a child.

From left: Hampshire Chronicle reporters Frankie Rudland and Toby Oliver, editor Kimberley Barber, Newsquest’s editorial director Toby Granville, Winchester MP Steve Brine, reporters Harvey Lindsay and Adele Bouchard, with head of news Andrew Napier

Said Mary: “We saw a lot of people from the windows. It was quite different in those days, but they are very happy memories.”

The Chronicle decided to postpone a party due to be held on the same day, following the death of the Queen, but this will now be rescheduled.

Editor Kimberley Barber said: “It was so lovely to see so many people at our open day. It was a pleasure to meet so many readers and supporters of the Hampshire Chronicle.

“Thank you to everyone who came. Obviously, it was a shame that our planned party could not go ahead as planned but it felt only right to postpone to honour the Queen.

“I look forward to the new date next month, more details will follow shortly.”