77422-19EVENING Advertiser readers old and young have praised the paper for the way we report the news.

To celebrate Local Newspaper Week, which ends on Sunday, we asked people in the street what they thought of the paper.

And there was a resounding thumbs-up from people of all ages.

Young reader David Johnson, 19, of Portsmouth Street, said: "I think it's quite cool.

"If you want to find out about what's going on locally it is a good thing to read.

"And if I need a job, Thursdays are particularly good because of the job supplement."

The oldest person we spoke to, Derek Bradley, 80, of Chiseldon, was also full of praise.

"It plays an important role in giving people the news they want to read," he said.

And Barry Jones, 65, of Old Town, said: "I think it is a very useful paper especially for the purpose I use it for which is keeping up to date with local affairs."

The theme for this year's Local Newspaper Week organised by the Newspaper Society is Closer to Home, highlighting the way we bring news to our readers which is relevant to their lives.

The week is designed to celebrate the success of local papers.

The Adver's popularity is shown by our bumper readership figures which top the 63,000 mark.

Nick Gray, 53, of Prospect Place, Old Town, said: "It is a good local paper that covers what people are interested in."

Megan Walker, 18, of Clifton Street, said: "It does a good job of letting you know what's happening in the town and there is usually a lot of people you know in it."

Kirsty Scott, 30, of Eldene, said: "We go to speedway so we find it very useful for that.

"Generally, the sports coverage is excellent."

Evening Advertiser Editor Mark Waldron was pleased the paper had widespread appeal.

"By covering stories people want to read we have hung onto our loyal readers while attracting the younger generation as well," he said.

"Comments from people on the street show that what we report is relevant to their lives fitting in with the theme of this celebratory week."

Ben Payne