Some newspapers are still popular on Merseyside

Liverpool has recognised the contribution to the life of the city made by its two daily newspapers and paid tribute to the work of generations of journalists.

The Echo and Daily Post have been granted the Freedom of Liverpool, marking 200 years since the first newspaper printed in the city, the Liverpool Mercury, rolled off the press. It was later acquired and merged with the Daily Post following its 1855 launch. The Echo, which came later has been in print for 132 years.

The official investiture, attended by civic dignitaries and community leaders from all over Merseyside, was staged in the atrium of the newspapers' building in Old Hall Street.

Trinity Mirror regional managing director Warren Butcher officially signed-in to the Roll of Honour watched by Echo editor Alastair Machray and Daily Post editor Mark Thomas.

Looking on were long-serving members of staff Maria Breslin, Val Woan, Peter Grant and Joe Riley.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Frank Prendergast presented an illuminated scroll to mark the occasion. He said: "The Post and Echo have both run valuable campaigns which have made a real difference to people's lives."

Echo editor Alastair Machray said that both the Post and Echo have a wonderful future in store as "trusted brands". He added: "Our future prosperity and success is linked to that of this city region. We are the LIVERPOOL Echo. We are the LIVERPOOL Daily Post. We are here for the long haul.

" I promise that we will continue to fight on its behalf. Here's to the next two hundred years!"

• Pic: Echo editor Alastair Machray and Daily Post editor Mark Thomas
• Pic and copy Mercury Press.