There was plenty of reminiscing to be had when the Isle of Wight County Press held an event to celebrate 140 years of the newspaper.

Present and former staff gathered at Snacks and Ladders Cafe in Newport yesterday (Tuesday) along with other invited guests, to mark the occasion.

The venue was decorated with old newspapers and framed memorabilia showcasing the highlights of the County Press over the years since it launched in 1884.

The County Press event at Snacks and LaddersThe County Press event at Snacks and Ladders (Image: Pamela Parker) It was an opportunity to look back, but also to celebrate the newspaper being top for Island news online and being the biggest selling local weekly in the country in print.

Scroll through the photos above to see some of the guests at the event

Editor Lori Little said: "The 140th anniversary seemed a good time to hold a reunion.

"It was brilliant to see so many former staff members, and it is lovely that so many are still involved in the paper today.

"David White was a photographer back in the 1970s but still writes heritage articles for us. 

"Emily Scotcher wrote articles as a specialist reporter more than a decade ago but now contributes as a theatre reviewer, as do former deputy editor Rachael Rosewell and former feature writer Kate Young and many others.

"The CP is a wonderful community and we love that we have so much interaction with readers though our reviews, opinion columns, letters to the editor and of course our news stories.

"The current team is so proud to be writing news that is read by millions - with record numbers flocking to our website this year.

"We are 140 years old and proud of our brand and our heritage, and this event was held in honour of that, while also recognising how well the County Press is performing right now in 2024." 

The first County Press, from 1884