For more than half a century, my wife and I have been regular visitors to the South Hams and we have many friends there.

Although members of the family now live in the area – my grandson and his lovely wife were married in the delightful little church at Beesands – our visits have become less frequent because of infirmity and old age.

Nevertheless, we keep in touch through the Gazette each week. Until I became a regular reader, I had not realised what a wonderful community spirit exists in each little village.

Every aspect and activity is reflected in the local paper and I am full of admiration for the efforts of so many dedicated people who are a shining example of how to promote harmony and friendship. It must be something to do with the Devon air, as my old friend, the late Lincoln (Sam) Shaw, no doubt discovered.

Having spent 32 years with a national newspaper, I travelled extensively and everywhere I went I always appreciated the local weekly paper, which is close to its readership and is an integral part of the community, reflecting its triumphs and tragedies.

Therein lies the strength of the British press. The Gazette is an excellent example and it is greatly admired at a time when newspaper readership is generally in decline.

Aubrey Chalmers

Shakerstone, Nuneaton

Leicestershire