Ever wondered how a local newspaper can shape the sporting culture of an entire region? The Lancashire Evening Post has been doing exactly that for over 135 years. As one of northern England’s most established daily newspapers, the LEP (as it’s affectionately known locally) has chronicled the sporting triumphs and heartbreaks of Preston and the wider Lancashire area since 1886.
The rich history of Lancashire’s sporting voice
The Lancashire Evening Post began its journey on October 18, 1886, founded by George Toulmin and Sons. Initially known simply as The Lancashire Evening Post, it underwent several name changes throughout its history – operating as The Lancashire Daily Post from 1893 to 1947 before returning to its original title from 1950 onwards.
Based in Fulwood, a suburb of Preston, the newspaper has maintained its commitment to local sports coverage throughout its long history. The LEP has been witness to the ups and downs of Preston North End FC, from the glory days to the challenging seasons, providing comprehensive match reports, player interviews, and analysis.
Digital transformation and modern sports coverage
Today’s Lancashire Evening Post operates in a dramatically different media landscape than when it first began. Now published by National World Publishing Ltd, the newspaper has successfully transitioned into the digital age with its robust online presence at lep.co.uk.
The publication’s sports coverage has expanded significantly in the digital realm, with:
- Live match updates and commentary
- In-depth video interviews with players and managers
- Statistical analysis and tactical breakdowns
- Interactive fan forums and opinion pieces
- Comprehensive coverage of local grassroots sports
With over 76,800 Twitter followers, the LEP’s sports section maintains a strong social media presence, engaging with fans and creating conversations around local sporting events.
Editorial leadership and sports focus
Under the leadership of Editor Gillian Gray and Digital Editor Martin Hamer, the Lancashire Evening Post continues to prioritize quality sports journalism. The editorial team understands the passionate sporting culture of Lancashire and reflects this in their coverage.
The sports desk at the LEP doesn’t just focus on the professional game. They give significant attention to amateur leagues, school competitions, and community sporting initiatives that might otherwise go unnoticed. This comprehensive approach to sports coverage has helped cement the newspaper’s place in the hearts of local sports enthusiasts.
A sporting archive of Lancashire’s athletic achievements
One of the most valuable aspects of the Lancashire Evening Post is its extensive archive, which provides a fascinating window into the sporting history of the region. With issues dating from 1886 to 1988 digitized through the British Newspaper Archive, sports historians and enthusiasts can trace the evolution of local sports through the decades.
The newspaper celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2016, marking over a century of documenting Lancashire’s sporting achievements, From the early days of football’s development to the modern multi-million pound industry it has become, the LEP has been there to document every significant moment for Preston and Lancashire sports.
For researchers and sports fans alike, these archives held by Lancashire Archives represent an invaluable resource, preserving the sporting heritage of the region for future generations.