The unique bond between a local newspaper and its community was praised at the official reopening of the Ilkley Gazette's town centre offices.

Burley Woodhead's very own television star, Richard Whiteley, was guest of honour at the event which was also attended by top executives from the newspaper's parent firm, Newsquest.

The Gazette main offices, which have moved to Ilkley from Otley and have just received a major refurbishment, are now the headquarters of Wharfedale Newspapers. The Gazette's sister newspaper, the Wharfedale Observer, is also produced there.

Countdown presenter Mr Whiteley, who received a tie embossed with the Gazette's historic logo to add to his growing collection, took the opportunity at the opening to reveal his passion for the local printed media. He said: "I'm honoured to be here because I am a huge, huge fan of local newspapers. Anywhere I go in the world the first thing I do is get the local paper because it immediately blends you into the local community.

"I grew up three or four miles over the hill here, in Baildon, and Ilkley is very close to me. I moved to Burley Woodhead around 20 years ago and I take and look forward to reading the Gazette every Thursday.

"We have a very strong local newspaper which is part of a wonderful family of newspapers, and I am delighted to come and reopen the refurbished offices."

Congratulating Wharfedale Newspapers editor Mel Vasey and his staff for the quality of the paper and the work put into the opening, he turned his attention to the offices' location in Wells Road.

He said: "This is a wonderful, prime position just off The Grove, which is so essential for a local paper which needs to talk to people face to face and knock on doors which is good, old fashioned journalism.

"I wish the paper a terrific rebirth!"

Mr Vasey, welcoming guests to the Gazette's refurbished home on what was Independence Day in the United States, referred to the company's role within Newsquest, which itself is owned by American media giant Gannett. He said: "The Ilkley Gazette is part of a very large family indeed. Paradoxically, the fact that we are part of such a large organisation actually ensures the independence of the Gazette as a local weekly newspaper. And today, on July 4, with our American connections, independence is very important to us.

"Being based in Ilkley means we will be able to be more involved in the community. Recently we have sponsored and are supporting the campaign against speeding in the town, something which is becoming a real menace, and we are actively supporting the campaign against the closure of the Coronation Hospital.

"This is exactly the sort of involvement we intend to pursue."

Another special guest on the day was Newsquest's chief executive, Paul Davidson, who took time to chat with staff and inspect the facilities on what was his first visit to the town.

Impressed by the numbers of people coming into the building to sign the newspaper's petition opposing the proposed hospital closure, he said: "I've found it a terrific day and it is always good to see how well our newspapers interact with their local communities.

"The Ilkley Gazette's success stories in that respect, with community-led campaigns really speaks for itself. They have been brilliant.

"It is lovely to see the support the local community is given here and the trust and confidence which it in turn is putting into the paper."