A regional title originally founded nearly a century ago is facing possible closure due to “economic conditions and advertising spending.”

HTFP understands The Countryman, run by Skipton-based Dalesman Publishing, is set to cease publication after 96 years.

As a result, Countryman editor Lorraine Connolly is also set to leave the business, although the group has stressed no final decision has been made on the magazine’s future

Sources closes to the company have also revealed that Lakeland Walker, another Dalesman title, is set to be absorbed by Cumbria magazine.

A spokeswoman for the company told HTFP: “Whilst we are currently reviewing the matter, in light of economic conditions and advertising spending, we do not wish to comment until firm decisions are made.”

Lorraine, pictured, joined Dalesman following the departure of predecessor Mark Whitley last May. Lakeland Walker editor John Manning quit his role around the same time as Mark.

On her appointment, Lorraine became the first female editor to run The Countryman, which was founded in 1927.

She has also previously worked for organisations including PA and the Daily Express.

The company’s flagship Dalesman magazine has itself also undergone several changes to its editorship in recent years.

Adrian Braddy, Jon Stokoe, Dan Clare and the present incumbent Mick Smith have all had stints editing the title since 2019.