Thirty-five Tindle Newspapers senior managers representing more than 200 newspapers met last week to hear how a "strictly local approach" to newspaper publishing would beat the economic downturn.

Local newspapers have a bright future if they continue to build relationships with the communities they serve, the company's conference near Bristol heard.

Chairman Sir Ray Tindle thanked delegates, almost the company's entire general management, for their work over the past year and said that local newspapers would flourish when the economy picked up after the downturn.

Also speaking at the conference, executive director Wendy Craig said the group's strength was in its "strictly local approach" before encouraging managers to continue building strong relationships with their communities.

Group managing director Brian Doel outlined how Tindle Newspapers would face the economic downturn and how individual newspapers could respond to the challenge.

Managers detailed the steps already successfully taken at their newspapers to offset the fall in revenue while others gave their views and suggestions.

Lee Whiteland, general manager of The Ross Gazette and The Monmouthshire Beacon said afterwards: "We realise the recession is creating difficult problems for everyone, but The Ross Gazette will continue to do its best to bring the latest news to its readers and to serve the local business community."

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