Shropshire Star 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Above is a gallery showing a collection of the evening's guests:

Guests from across the county including politicians, business representatives and community leaders, gathered at the Albrighton Hall Hotel, near Shrewsbury, to mark the Star's half century.

The speaker for the evening was Olympic medallist Alison Williamson MBE, who represented Great Britain in archery at six consecutive Olympic Games, from 1992 to 2012.

Editor Martin Wright said: "It was a fantastic occasion and it was a real pleasure to see so many familiar faces come together to mark this significant milestone. The Star has become part of the very fabric of Shropshire, and this was a great opportunity for us to reflect on the last 50 years – and to look forward to building on that success in future."

The Star's Royal Correspondent Shirley Tart has worked on the paper since its first edition and was among the guests. She said: "Waiting for that very first issue of the Shropshire Star half a century ago was exciting, a test for the nerves and a day those of us who were there will never forget. But none of us could have had any idea what the years ahead would hold, least of all me.

"As the only person from 1964 who is still with the company, the memories are legion.

"It has been a pleasure and a privilege to play such a part in all of the Shropshire Star story and to have known and worked with such wonderful colleagues."

Phil Inman, chief executive of the Star's parent company Claverley Group, thanked guests for their contribution to the Star's success, adding that the night was a celebration of the trust which the newspaper had established.

He said: "The past 50 years of endeavour have seen the Shropshire Star become a leading player in the county, trusted by local people. It is a pleasure to see so many of you join us tonight to look back on half a century of achievement and to look forward to future success."

The Shropshire Star first went to press on October 5, 1964. It is the sixth biggest selling regional newspaper in the UK and has one of the fastest growing websites.