More than 100 people attended a party thrown to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Accrington Observer.

Members of Hyndburn’s many different communities were invited to join the event held at the Accrington Market hall.

Guests enjoyed samples of Ye Old Sausage Shop’s limited edition sausage called The Observer 125 and a special beer of the same name was created by Peter Booth, who used to live in Great Harwood, but now lives and works in Ramsbottom, where he’s chief brewer of the Irwell Works Brewery.

Speakers on the night included Observer editor Gareth Tidman, MEN Media Head of Communities Dave Lafferty and Alan Brown, MEN Media’s Distributions Director.

Mr Tidman said: "The Observer depends on its ties with the community so the party was a wonderful way for us all to come together and celebrate.

"The paper’s success is down to our loyal readers and we want to continue to be at the heart of the community for many years to come."

See more pictures from the event below ...

The paper is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and to commemorate the occasion a series of events have been lined up. Mr Lafferty added: "It’s a special occasion and we are looking forward to continuing with the celebrations throughout the year."

The very first edition of the Observer was reprinted in its entirety this month as part of a special supplement to mark the occasion.

Party guests included Richard Crossley, the great-grandson of the Observer’s first editor also called Richard Crossley, former Observer editor Mervyn Kay and Rob Heys, chief executive of Accrington Stanley, as well as staff from the paper.

Also among guests were members of Asian women’s charity Aawaz and the Accrington Lions Club.

Catering was provided by Frankie’s Cafe, based in the market hall.

Tony Clarkson, of Accrington Lions, said the party was a great way to celebrate the paper’s history and that the Observer was an integral part of the community. He said: "We have had a long relationship with the Observer and appreciate the help the paper has given us over the years."

Roy Chetham, of the Huncoat Community Forum, said he enjoyed the evening. He said: "I think the market hall is a great venue to have the anniversary party because of its own historic connections."