THE Chronicle is one of the fastest growing regional newspapers in the nation.

Figures released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations show that for January to March this year, The Chronicle has increased circulation by .5 per cent when compared with the previous year.

Editor-in-chief Steve Etwell said the result was a great credit to the staff at The Chronicle.

“At a time when most newspapers are showing dramatic circulation losses, The Chronicle is managing to forge ahead. Only 10 papers in the nation recorded increases.

“We are now providing a 24/7 news service with our ever-increasing web presence.

“It is pleasing that readers still show they rely on The Chronicle as their main news provider.

“The January floods were a telling example which showed how people rely on their local newspaper in times of crisis.

“Our website was delivering the news as it broke and became a crucial link between readers and the most up-to-date and reliable 24-hour disaster coverage available.

“The Chronicle was keeping readers in the big picture while still telling heart-wrenching stories and providing the support and connection those readers needed.

“We increased print runs and came up with creative ways to overcome flooded roads and washouts so readers could get The Chronicle and the news they craved.

“Going forward, the Chronicle and our website will continue to work with our community to update, uplift and rebuild.

“We are always conscious at The Chronicle that we need to be constantly reviewing what we cover and how.

“This year we have introduced a number of new initiatives that readers have shown they like.

“As always, we thank our readers and advertisers for their support.''