Bracknell News was the only paid-for weekly newspaper in the country to experience a circulation increase during 2018

The series, which also covers Wokingham and Ascot, achieved a one per cent increase year-on-year.

Luke Adams, Audience and Content Editor for Reading and Bracknell, said: "It has been a very interesting year for our group and this has been no different for Bracknell.

"Everyone will, of course, remember The Queen's visit back in October, but there have been many other memorable moments.

"To be the only newspaper in growth is an astonishing and hugely rewarding achievement.

"It is important that our team is not complacent and continues to build on this success, but I am very proud to see such strong results for our Bracknell team, as well as other titles in our Berkshire and Buckinghamshire group.

"It continues to be a challenging climate for journalism, but our team will always do our best to serve and represent the community in a fair and passionate way.

"Success like this does not happen without help from such a fantastic team of people – past and present."

Sister titles, part of the same group as the News, including The Reading Chronicle, Slough Observer and Bucks Free Press also ranked highly.

Group editor, Andrew Colley, added: “This week’s news marks the culmination of 12 months of hard work for all our team.

“Despite challenging times for the news industry, it’s amazing to see that quality journalism and sheer determination is being rewarded.

“Special thanks and congratulations should go to our whole team – past and present – run by our superb Audience and Content Editor, Luke Adams, and Group Sports Editor, Anthony Smith.

“Finally, thank you to our readers and the wider community for their continued support.”