WORK has started this week on refurbishing new offices for the Review in Lydney's Kings Buildings, formerly the town's main post office. And plans are afoot for another office to be opened in Cinderford.

The keys to the new offices were handed over to Review owner Sir Ray Tindle, head of Tindle Newspapers, by Mr Gary Wildin.

Sir Ray, for over 50 years a champion of local newspapers and the role they play in the local community, is a frequent visitor to the Forest and Wye Valley.

"It is an area I have come to know well and where I feel quite at home," he said.

"I know The Review has a broad appeal and is very popular. That is why we have taken the decision to expand the paper and introduce a property section as well as full colour," he said.

Sir Ray was accompanied by Mr Tom McGowran, Tindle Newspapers' chief executive, and Mr Bob West, a member of the board of management.

He hosted a reception at which plans were revealed for further changes in the months ahead.

"I am a firm believer in the role the local newspaper can play in a community like the Forest and Wye Valley. The Review is well known and highly regarded in the industry with a reputation which has spread beyond its circulation area. I'm committed to its growth so that it will continue to provide a valuable resource for readers and advertisers for many, many years to come," said Sir Ray.

"We are entirely a family business and we are proud of what has been achieved by the executives and all the hardworking backroom staff here at the Review during the last 20 years. Here's to the next 20 in these new offices," he added.