THE Evening Star will celebrate its 125th anniversary next week.Since February 17 1885, when it was first published as The Star of the East, the paper has remained at the heart of the community.

your Evening Star will celebrate its 125th anniversary.

Since February 17 1885, when it was first published as The Star of the East, the paper has remained at the heart of the community.

It has been there to deliver news of major world, national and local events over two centuries from the outbreak of the first and second world wars to the terrorist atrocities of 9/11 and 7/7.

But as well as reporting the news of events which have shocked and stunned the town, the Star has always been there to celebrate the good things in life with its readers.

From VE day to Ipswich Town winning the FA cup in 1978 and the successful 2012 Olympic bid, the Star reported on them all.

The special anniversary will be celebrated in the town throughout the year including a number of exciting community events in the summer - full details of which will be revealed later.

And on the anniversary of the very first edition, Radio Suffolk's Mark Murphy will be doing his breakfast show live from The Evening Star's offices in Lower Brook Street, on Wednesday.

Also a week-long series of features will begin that day charting the history of The Star, including a look at the paper's relationship with Ipswich Town Football club, how the paper has treated major world events and not forgetting its many campaigns that has kept it firmly rooted within the community.

Editor of the title for 14 years Nigel Pickover said: “The Evening Star is one of Ipswich's great characters - and great brands! We see the title as a person, rather than a paper, a vital link in the chain of events that links up Suffolk's county town.

“The Star has seen many changes both in society and in the way it is published over the last 125 years. But one thing that has not changed is the Star's role in the community and that is why it is so important for us to be able to celebrate this fantastic milestone with our loyal readers. We want to hear all their memories of the Star over the years.

“Perhaps the Star has raised money for you or helped you in some way, or maybe you used to work for the paper many years ago. Whatever your connection let us hear about it and share in the celebrations.”

Send your memories of The Evening Star to Evening Star news desk, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk

BAKE US A CAKE!

The Evening Star is also on the look out for local bakers to join the party, by baking us a cake.

It would need to be available in shops on Wednesday and Thursday, February 17 and 18, for Evening Star customers to come along and get their free piece of cake.

If you are a local bakery that would like to join us in our celebrations, please contact Jo Reeder on 01473 324882 or email joanne.reeder@archant.co.uk for further details.