THE Times newspaper may have been running for decades, but now the paper is taking the next step forward into the 21st century, with the creation of Facebook and Twitter pages dedicated to bringing readers their local news.

Facebook and Twitter feeds have now been launched by the Times, designed to bring readers updates on local issues in their area. Both the Tavistock Times and Okehampton Times have their own independent pages, focused specifically on their area.

The Facebook pages contain links to articles posted on the Times homepage, and will keep web surfers up to date with the latest goings-on in the town. The pages also feature photographs, event reminders, and information on advertising features and opportunities in the paper.

To follow the updates, people just need to 'Like' the Times on our Facebook page.

For those who like their news in snappy, bitesize chunks, the Twitter feeds will provide links to the biggest stories by the Times each week.

Editor Jane Honey said: 'More and more, people reach for their computers, tablets and smartphones to access the latest news. This is our way of keeping up with changing trends, and reporting the news of our area to people in a modern way.

'Social media is a big part of many people's lives, with thousands of people in West Devon logging on to Facebook and Twitter every day. This is our way of reaching out to them directly, and spurring their interest in local news.'

Okehampton reporter Tom French added: 'The move to promoting social media as a way of distributing our news stories is also an effort to connect with younger readers, the readers of the future.

'The vast majority of young people use social media every day to interact with their friends and the world around them, and we hope our Facebook and Twitter pages can tap into that, and get them interacting with the Times too.

'It also provides a new point of contact for people who may have a story for us, or want to advertise in the paper. People can private message us on Facebook, or direct message us via Twitter, to discuss potential advertising or stories with our staff.'

To start following our new social media feeds, search for Tavistock Times or Okehampton Times on Facebook and Twitter.

If you have any photographs, stories or a letter you would like to share with the paper, please e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] or [email protected]">[email protected]