ONE of the country's longest-running village newsletters is celebrating its 400th edition.

It was during a group chat at the Methodist church at Sheriff Hutton about the need for some kind of communication link in the community that Alan Farnaby and Eric Hayhurst seized on the idea of having a monthly news bulletin.

That was 33 years ago, and the two men are still the leading stalwarts in its production which involves a 25-strong team who type, fold and distribute the publication to 570 homes.

The publication date is always the first of the month, says Mr Farnaby, well known as the parish clerk and representative for the area at Ryedale District Council, of which he is leader.

"We carry 32 advertisements and we have a waiting list," he says. "It is a means of communicating information about the many organisations and their activities to our residents. It is appreciated by the village and we get great support."

It had a humble start, with Mr Hayhurst, a retired senior railway officer, purchasing a second-hand photocopier and typewriter. A pool of typists was built up and gradually the production equipment was upgraded.

"We spent hours turning the handle on the old duplicator, turning out the printed sheets, and we were regularly covered in black ink," said Alan.

When news spread in the village that a new printer was needed, a resident organised the fund raising.

While the Sheriff Hutton News - with its logo of the village's famous castle in the masthead - is able to be produced on a digital photocopier, it is currently being printed by a Peterborough company for just a few pounds more than the cost of turning it out in Sheriff Hutton itself. "It is a real community project," said Eric. "We have a wonderful team who help in its production."

While residents are kept informed of the award-winning village's many activities - it has won several top village honours - there is also a catalogue of businesses in Sheriff Hutton that have also benefited. For just £23 a year they are able to advertise for a whole year and provide a service for the community and attract business for themselves.

"We cover all aspects of life in Sheriff Hutton with just one proviso," said Alan. "We won't print any contentious letters."

Updated: 10:19 Wednesday, February 12, 2003