IF you want to know what is happening in YOUR locality the answer is simple -- read The Journal.

Your favourite weekly newspaper is one year old today and local dignitaries and VIPs have explained why the 20p Friday edition is a must on your shopping list.

In a year in which we have covered news good and bad, happy and sad we're pleased to print some of their comments and greetings. The Journal hit the streets on a high note for Atherton woman Ilse Splaine who after being told she had just months to live spent the next 11 years raising funds to help others to beat the killer disease.

We covered the winning highs of wheelchair weightlifting champs Dave Smith and Mike Pyke who challenged the world. And the community mourning a few weeks later following Dave's sad death.

We brought you news of the devastating Boulevard shopping centre fire in Leigh town centre, were overjoyed to tell you young cancer victims Laura Miller and Emma Rudd had made complete recoveries and were first on the scene when tea-time drinkers were joined by a bus which crashed in to the side of the George and Dragon pub.

Talented duo Kylie Jones and Jon Crossley danced their way to international fame, seven months before running the gauntlet of groping Jonathan Ross on TV's "They think it's all over" sports quiz. And that same week we revealed how Tyldesley perfectionist and canoeing ace Paul Ratcliffe was angry with himself for "only" finishing second in the Olympics.

We aim to continue bringing you the best possible coverage after a year in which your new-look Journal has been enthusiastically received. North West Euro MP Terry Wynn, a regular contributor to our lively columns with his witty run-down of the Brussels scene, loves his homely and informative tabloid.

Terry says: "I would like to congratulate the Journal on the first anniversary of the Friday edition. The Journal is certainly a paper I reach for on my return from Parliament in Brussels. It keeps me up to date with all the local news. I wish the Journal continued success."

Greater Manchester Fire Authority chairman Fred Walker is another VIP who looks forward to reading his 'red hot' Journal.

"I think it's miles better than anything else," said the man whose wide-ranging community involvement has encompassed many years as a member of Wigan Council, plus sporting interests including rugby, scuba diving and Scouting.

"The concentration on getting a full story in is very welcome. The paid for paper is a positive move and very welcome. The fact that people go out and buy it because they want to read it should be an added attraction to advertisers."

Town centres co-ordinator Laurie Barton also looks forward to her weekly read which she feels is a vital element in promoting all that is best in the area.

Laurie's birthday message reads: "Congratulations to the Leigh Journal on the successful achievement of adding another dimension to media available in the Leigh area, a benefit to both the public and to local businesses.

"The Friday Journal is a great read, full of up to the minute news, which really keeps you in touch with what's happening in the area. I daren't miss my weekly copy!"

Wigan Council Leader Lord Peter Smith admits he finds the Journal a compelling read. I think it is important for democracy," said Lord Smith. "I have enjoyed the coverage in the new paper which has a proven quality of reporting and has managed to get the major stories to the people. On the sporting side it has been a good year for the Centurions and they have received the coverage they deserve. Well done!"

And Worsley MP Terry Lewis had nothing but praise for the way in which the Journal had covered local campaigns.

He said: "A community needs this type of voice -- a paid for local paper is a most welcome and important asset in our midst." And one of the area's most outspoken politicians and people's campaigner Cllr Brian Jarvis echoes that view: "I think it is excellent value for 20p every Friday and it's a great local community paper. Everything is well covered. It has been well received over the past year judging from comments made by my colleagues and neighbours.

"The people within my social circle go out to buy the Friday edition and -- no disrespect to the other free papers -- the Journal is a far superior newspaper. The professionalism of the journalism is to be applauded."