Steve Brine joined staff and representatives from across the Winchester community as the Hampshire Chronicle celebrated its 240th anniversary at Zizzi's on the High Street.
Zizzi's restaurant, at 57 High Street, was the former site of the newspaper, one of the oldest in the UK, before the team relocated to Upper Brook Street in 2004.
Speaking afterwards, Steve said: "I was delighted to be able to pop in at lunchtime and join everyone as the Hampshire Chronicle marked 240 years. As I said in the piece I was honoured to write for their commemorative edition out today, I mentioned the newspaper in my maiden speech in the House of Commons, and am incredibly proud of this local instution.
"I am a fervent supporter of strong local newspapers, free from any political agenda, for a little local sanity and perspective in an increasingly global, online world, and wish the team, past, present and future, all the very best."
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