A weekly newspaper which celebrates its 170th anniversary this year has become the latest addition to a growing stable of local titles.
The historic Teesdale Mercury, first published in 1854, has been sold to Andy Barr, who also owns the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald, Keswick Reminder and the Cumbria Crack website.
The paper was previously owned by the Vane family, who also own Barnard Castle in County Durham where it is based.
Barr, who started Barrnon Media in 2020 when his local paper the Herald was under threat of closure, said the synergies between the Mercury and the two Cumbrian print titles made it a natural fit.
Said Andy, pictured: “I look forward to working with the experienced team at the Teesdale Mercury, and sharing with them some of the valuable lessons we have learned since taking over the Herald nearly five years ago.
“In a rapidly changing media landscape, I believe in keeping trusted local and independent news at the heart of communities.”
The former owner, Carolyn Vane, said it was important to secure the long-term future of the historic title.
She said: “The Teesdale Mercury has been in family ownership for many years and plays an important role in the Teesdale community.
“With a similar ethos to us I am confident that under Andy Barr’s ownership the paper will continue to be at the heart of its community.
“I would like to thank all the Mercury’s dedicated and supportive staff who have worked tirelessly to keep the business going through challenging times.”
Ms Vane is the eldest daughter of Harry John Neville Vane, the 11th Lord Barnard, who died in 2016.
The current editor of the Mercury is Stuart Laundy, who took over from long-serving predecessor Trevor Brookes in August last year.
A sister title to the Teesdale Mercury, the Wear Valley Mercury, was launched in September 2006 but closed in 2012.
