An independent weekly has celebrated the publication of its 8,000th edition after 170 years in business.

The Goole Times marked the milestone yesterday with a look back at its history.

The Times was founded on 1 August 1853 as The Goole and Marshland Gazette, and lays claim to being the oldest weekly newspaper in Yorkshire.

Today, it is run by Chronicle Publications Limited and employs 19 staff.

Today’s edition, pictured, features three pages celebrating both the occasion and the history of the Times.

Jane Rogers, its editor of 12 years, said in an accompanying column: “I’ve seen a lot of changes over the past two decades, and anticipate there will be many more as the newspaper industry tries to cope with increasing costs, falling circulations and new technology.

“But we remain committed to producing accountable news for the local community, supporting local good causes and charities and helping to show the positive place Goole is.”