North Devon Gazette thanks readers and reflects on a year of local stories

As we welcome the New Year, it feels like the right moment to pause and reflect on the stories that have shaped North Devon over the past 12 months – and to thank the people who continue to make the North Devon Gazette what it is.

Local journalism is, at its heart, about people. 

Over the past year, our reporters have been out across towns, villages and coastlines, listening, asking questions and telling the stories that matter to this community. 

From major local campaigns to moments of quiet heroism, we have been proud to report on North Devon in all its complexity.

One of the most significant moments of the year came in January, when the Gazette worked alongside local MP Ian Roome to support his campaign highlighting pressures at North Devon District Hospital. 

In our 29 January edition, we published a three-page special focused on the hospital crisis, helping to amplify calls for Health Secretary Wes Streeting to see the challenges first-hand. It was a clear example of how local journalism can support democratic debate and give strength to community concerns.

Alongside this, we have continued to shine a light on the people who make North Devon such a special place to live. 

From charity heroes like Andy Hood and the tireless work being done through ChemoHero, to the everyday individuals whose actions leave a lasting impact. 

One such moment came in May, when we reported on the bravery of 14-year-old Oscar McCrae, praised as a “superhero” after rescuing a man paralysed following a surfing accident at Saunton Sands. 

Stories like these remind us that not all news is negative, and that courage and kindness are never far away.

Of course, there have also been stories that continue to dominate local conversation, including the ongoing debate around the North Devon Link Road. 

These are the issues that affect daily life, and we remain committed to covering them thoroughly, fairly and independently.

Behind every edition of the Gazette is a dedicated team. 

Our reporters work hard to bring different perspectives to the table, from Tony Gussin’s wide-ranging coverage to Richard Maynard’s detailed reporting on business and the local economy. 

Our regular columnists continue to offer insight and opinion, and special thanks must go to Tim Dixon, our designer editor, who brings each paper together so readers can enjoy a varied and engaging publication at home.

As we look ahead, our audience continues to grow, both in print and online, and that is something we are incredibly proud of. 

We are here for you as your local news service. 

If you have a story, a campaign, or something that matters to you, we want to hear it. Independent journalism matters, and that means proper investigation, proper research and a commitment to accuracy.

On a personal note, I am grateful to everyone who has welcomed our reporters into their lives and trusted us with their stories. 

Over the past year, I have developed from being a regular journalist into my role as regional digital editor for Clear Sky Publishing, which is proud to publish the Gazette alongside our sister titles Torbay Weekly, The Moorlander and Exeter Today. It is a privilege to work with a team delivering local news every day.

Finally, thank you to our readers. 

Without you, there would be no Gazette. 

Your contributions, support and engagement define this newspaper. 

As we step into the New Year, we remain proud to serve North Devon and look forward to telling many more stories in the months ahead.