A RYEDALE town’s blog has celebrated its first anniversary.

The first entry on Kirkbymoorside town blog was written on June 29, 2010, by founder and editor Gareth Jenkins.

Since then, more than 500 blog entries have been added, meaning there is always something new to read about or indeed watch, from the wide range of video interviews.

Gareth said: “I was inspired to set up the blog by an article in the Gazette & Herald highlighting the town council’s request for proposals for future use of the old library.

“Little did I realise then what a heated topic that would become, both in the town and on the blog.”

Gareth added that the interest in that issue helped make people aware of the site at the beginning.

He said: “Kirkbymoorside is such a busy town there’s never a shortage of subjects to cover. When we had elections for the town council, the blog also provided the opportunity for candidates to make video presentations and these proved very popular.”

On average 200-plus pages are read every day and the popularity continues to grow as the site gets better known. It also receives visitors from all over the world with the USA, Germany and Canada providing the biggest non-UK audience.

“What I’m really delighted about is the involvement of the community in keeping the site relevant and interesting – most of the content I’m now posting comes from local people sending me information,” Gareth said.

“As it is a voluntary effort, this is really important if the site is to continue into the future. We now have a record of a year in the life of Kirkbymoorside. Let’s hope it will continue for many more to come.”

The Kirkbymoorside Town Blog can be found at www.kirkbymoorside.info

Anyone interested in setting up a blog for their local community, should contact Gareth via the blog.