THE Evening Advertiser is next month celebrating 150 glorious years of bringing the news to the people of Swindon.

And we need your help to mark this special anniversary with your views on Swindon's past, present and future.

The Swindon Advertiser and Monthly Record was Britain's first penny paper when it was launched on February 6 1854.

When the first copy was printed the paper had just one employee its editor and proprietor William Morris and this edition comprised just four pages.

Despite its size, the newspaper became an instant hit and since then we have brought you the major stories in the Swindon area, campaigned on your behalf and investigated tirelessly to reveal what is really going on.

These days, as well as the latest news, the Advertiser brings you reviews, a guide to what's on, colourful features, advertising to help you find cars, an ideal home, jobs and services and so much more six-days-a-week.

In the just the last year we have raised more than £250,000 for the Swindon Cancer Appeal this is one example of what a difference the paper and its readers can make.

Over the coming weeks we shall be bringing a host of goodies for you to read during our celebration period including 150 great stories we have covered since 1854, a supplement showing how the Advertiser has served you over the last 15 decades and we will be publishing fantastic photographs that have told their own stories.

But we don't only want to use this anniversary to look back to the past. We shall use it to focus on the place Swindon is today and what the future may hold and through are investigations we have discovered some startling facts.

We will be talking to the movers and shakers, and to our loyal readers, for their opinions on Swindon.

To whet your appetite our political correspondent Michael Litchfield has written his diagnosis on the town's health after returning here after two-and-a-half years working in London. Turn to pages 6 and 7.

Now we want to hear about your memories, current concerns, hopes or vision for the future. We also want to know your opinions on the Advertiser why you buy it and what you love about it.

You can e-mail the newsdesk at the address below; write to us at the postal address printed on page 6 or fax us on 01793 542434. The latest way to get your story to us is by mobile phone by texting 80408, then start your message with the word wistory then key in your message a reporter will call you back. We look forward to hearing from you.

Catherine Turnbull