THE words of the founding editor of the Hereford Times have been saved for the county with the help of his modern day successor.

Liz Griffin, editor of the newspaper, has combined with the Friends of the County Records Office, to secure the diary of Charles Anthony, who launched the Hereford Times in 1832.

His diary and commonplace book, written in the 1820s, has been presented to the County Records Office.

It secures for posterity his accounts of life and travels in the Herefordshire of nearly 200 years ago. He wrote the diary when in his early 20s and expresses views about social issues, including the place of women.

"It was an incredible moment to pick up and read words written by the man who founded the Hereford Times," said Mrs Griffin.

"Charles Anthony has a unique place in the history of newspapers, this city and the county - and we owe him a great debt for his pioneering work.

"This diary and commonplace book offer a fantastic glimpse of his development and I'm delighted we have been able to secure it - with the help of the Friends - for posterity."