IPSWICH: Ipswich Star publisher Archant has produced industry-leading circulation figures, it was revealed today.

Archant Anglia’s four daily titles are the top performers across the whole of England and Wales, according to the latest ABC statistics.

The Star’s circulation rose by 0.4 per cent, while sister title the East Anglian Daily Times increased by 0.3pc.

The company’s two daily titles in Norfolk also saw increases in circulation - the Eastern Daily Press posted a third consecutive ABC increase of 0.7pc, while sister title the Norwich Evening News recorded a rise of 7.5pc.

Archant Norfolk also produced across-the-board circulation increases for all five of its weekly titles in the July to December 2011 ABC circulation figures, released at noon today.

Archant chief executive, Adrian Jeakings, said: “I am delighted with these results, which are unique in the current UK regional press.

“Paid-for printed products continue to have a key role to play in delivering an audience for our advertisers.

“This really shows what can be done with the right combination of engaging, relevant stories and the use of innovative ways of getting our newspapers to readers to support the more traditional channels.”

Archant Anglia managing director Johnny Hustler said: “This is especially good news for our advertisers.

“Growing the audience we deliver is the most tangible way we can give better value for money.

“We are now in a position where print, mobile and on-line audiences are all growing – it is a marvellous thing and only goes to show the strength of engagement we have between our brands and their customers.

“It is also a great tribute to our staff across Anglia, both commercial and editorial, who have worked so hard to improve the quality of our newspapers.”

Nigel Pickover, editor of the Ipswich Star, said: “Everyone at The Star is bursting with pride at our sales increase, which caps a great few days for us.

“Our paper, which last week was named the Eastern region’s Daily Newspaper of the Year, is a strong, vibrant, power-packed product.

“And we have a live cutting edge through our online operation, www.ipswichstar.co.uk and mobile site, m.ipswichstar.co.uk where visitor numbers are rocketing year-on-year.

“This is great news for our readers and for our advertisers where bigger audiences mean bigger exposure to their products.

“Meanwhile we have just stepped up our I Love Ipswich campaign, which has now been joined by many major players in Suffolk, and we are thrilled at two victories for services at Ipswich Hospital.”

Don Williamson, circulation director for Archant Anglia, said: “Our small but focused audience growth teams benefit from selling industry recognised award-winning titles. They also work tirelessly on three main core activities.

“The first is a 42-week home delivery canvass for our newsagents, secondly making field visits to all our trade partners to help with product displays and in-store promotions and finally a vending operation that sees our titles sold at every public event across the region.”