A local newspaper that covered large parts of Sefton and West Lancashire has announced it has ceased publication.
The Champion newspaper served communities from Southport to Bootle as well as Ormskirk and Skelmersdale, and has announced that it has printed its last edition. The weekly paper was founded in 1994 and has supported local businesses through the distribution of eight newspapers to more than 165,000 homes, according to the title's website.
The ECHO understands that commercial partners were contacted last week and were told that the newspaper had ceased publication as of Thursday, August 25. The newspaper was formed after the Southport Globe closed down, with the paper then gradually expanding its reach to other towns in the area.
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In a statement, Lyndsey Naylor, managing director of Waypride Limited, parent company of Champion Newspapers, said: "After 28 years publishing Champion Newspapers we regret that due to current trading conditions Waypride Limited is no longer viable and it is with deep regret we have now ceased publication of local Champion titles.
"We are devastated that our loyal staff, who have worked tirelessly to save the business will no longer have employment. The Champion staff have been the backbone of the business consistently setting the highest standards of newspaper publishing across all disciplines.
"It is their loyalty and commitment to serving readers and advertisers that has given the Champion so many happy and successful years as your trusted local newspaper. We are proud of the staff and their achievements and are sure you will join us in wishing them every success in the future.
"Many thanks to our advertisers for making this journey possible, we wish each of you continued success during these difficult times."
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