FIRST of all I want to say thank you for reading The Bolton News. You are the reason we do this every day. It is you, the reader, whom we are here to serve – our stories are for you, about you, and important to you.

We report from the courts so you know that justice is being done in your communities, we cover local government so you know how your money is being spent, and we write about local schools and health provision, so you know what is going on our classrooms and our hospital wards.

I only recently became editor of The Bolton News and you may have noticed some changes already. We have introduced a good news edition every Saturday, a new two-page special report every Monday and we have a fresh focus on the community.

Get The Bolton News delivered >>> theboltonnews.co.uk/stay-informed-stay-safe

I’m from Bolton and I grew up reading the then Bolton Evening News – my granny never missed a copy.

Every Saturday, I used to sit with her in the Sandwich Inn on Churchgate, looking across at the old BEN offices dreaming of one day working there.

Well, I made it, starting at those very offices just over 12 years ago as a young-ish trainee reporter.

And your local newspaper is just as important now as it was then.

More people than ever read our stories, thanks in part to our online coverage, but we still need your support.

SUBCRIBE ONLINE >>> theboltonnews.co.uk/subscribe

By buying a newspaper – or by subscribing online – you are not only supporting local jobs and local businesses, you are supporting local journalism.

As the country heads into 2021, with the vaccine rollout happening, but the threat of stricter guidelines looming, there has never been a more crucial time to know what is happening in your area.

This next stage of the coronavirus pandemic will still bring up new challenges for families, businesses, schools, the NHS and our community.

But we can do it if we stick together – it’s what Boltonians are good at – it’s what we do.

And in an era of misinformation and fake news on social media sites, staying informed with reliable journalism is key to staying safe. So we want to make sure you continue to stay in the know with your trusted local paper.

Get The Bolton News delivered >>> theboltonnews.co.uk/stay-informed-stay-safe

This is why we are relaunching our home delivery service with six weeks’ free delivery to ensure you can still get your newspaper at the time when you need it most.

If you already get the paper then do me just one favour – see if you can encourage a friend or family member to do the same.

And if you are a casual reader – why not become a loyal reader – give it a go for six weeks. With a new homegrown editor and a focus on community, you’ll be getting a newspaper which is standing up for you, and hopefully putting a smile on your face too – especially every Saturday.

Think of it like supporting your local team. I’m a season ticket holder at Bolton Wanderers, I buy Warburtons bread and I love a Carrs pastie. It’s vital we keep supporting all these local businesses – and The Bolton News will continue do that – but we need you to support us too.

We can deliver your newspaper free of any delivery charges for the first six weeks, ensuring you can get your newspaper sent straight to your doorstep during the month-long lockdown.

We understand that for millions of people like you, getting your newspaper is an important part of your lives. Our home delivery service will help ensure readers – particularly those who are vulnerable and elderly – can stay informed.

You can stay informed and stay safe by taking out a home delivery newspaper subscription by calling 0800 953 0227 and help us continue to provide you with all the latest trusted local news.

Get The Bolton News delivered >>> theboltonnews.co.uk/stay-informed-stay-safe

Or you can subscribe online by clicking here theboltonnews.co.uk/subscribe

Stay informed ­– and please do stay safe.