Cumbria Newspapers says: This provided a popular news story for our newspapers and radio stations, which was maximised to the full by a fantastic team effort by Newspapers Sales, Editorial, and Print.
In Carlisle, the only city in the UK to see the Olympic torch twice, more than 50,000 people packed the city streets as it took centre stage, marking the arrival of the Olympic torch in Cumbria.
An early print of the News & Star on 21st June, together with an extra edition and editionised wraps, saw sales increase 21% on the previous Thursday's sale and 12% up year-on-year. It was also the highest sales figure for 13 months.
Damian Woolfe, Circulation & Marketing Director for CN Group said, “It was such an exciting event for Carlisle, with people travelling miles to see the torch pass through. Our excellent coverage and editionalised wraps provided the sales and promotional opportunities that resulted in our best figures in over a year. It was a great team effort by all departments.”
The following day, Joe Hendry, Leader of Carlisle City Council, said: “I was so proud of Carlisle last night. It was brilliant. They say Carlisle is the happiest city in the UK and last night everyone was smiling and the sun was shining.”
Friday's News & Star’s West edition, covering the following days torch procession through Workington and Whitehaven, with another wrap and eight page supplement, which was 24% up week-on-week and 6.4% printed early up year-on-year.
