:: History

The juggernaut success of the Herald & Post, one of Britain's most respected free newspapers, has seen it outstrip traditional paid-for weekly and evening titles to take on the undisputed mantle of market leader for the Luton area.

Although the first edition of the paper only hit the streets in the 1970s, that 16-page Herald - the Post part of the masthead came later as the empire expanded and took over titles in other towns - was the start of something big.

Readers and advertisers alike were quickly converted to the Herald & Post's blanket distribution, comprehensive advertising and hard-hitting editorial line with a community focus.

Today the Herald & Post is a three-section newspaper regularly topping 200 pages, with a bright and bold main section complemented by specialist supplements serving the property and motors markets.

:: Product


As you'd expect in a town with such close links to the motor industry, Luton readers are a keen judge of a good buy on two wheels or four. Motors Today is the Herald & Post's weekly motoring supplement, featuring the latest test drives and motoring news as well as the pick of the new and used vehicle deals. It's closely linked to the comprehensive Motors Today website, which offers a huge selection of vehicles from a much wider area as well as a wealth of road tests and other useful information

There's a one-stop shop for anyone looking to buy or sell property in the Luton area – Property Today, a comprehensive colour-packed guide to property for sale and for let both in the main towns and surrounding villages. Property Today is also linked to a national website of the same name, which offers an immense catalogue of homes for sale and rent, as well as community information and other services.

• Established newspaper since 1973 - one of the first free newspapers to be launched in the UK
• Over 1.7 readers per copy.

• Award winning title. Has received more than 30 industry recognised awards in the last five years recognising outstanding achievements in design, advertising, editorial and distribution.

• More pages of jobs than any other newspaper in Luton & Dunstable area.

• Published on a Thursday - the optimum day for weekend buying decisions.

• Campaigning newspaper - in touch with the local community.

The history of Luton and South Beds stretches back to Roman times and beyond, and the area has always played a key part in the nation's communication network. From the Roman road of Watling Street that helped make Dunstable and nearby Houghton Regis an important royal centre in medieval and Tudor times to the booming international airport and vital M1 motorway that makes Luton so attractive to businesses today, it's always been an area that's going places.

• Luton International airport

The town's international carnival, held each May, is a vibrant and spectacular event which is the largest of its kind in Europe and attracts floats, dancers and revellers from far and wide.

But within minutes of the bustling centre of town and the runways of Luton Airport, which handles millions of passengers a year, are picturesque villages and stunning landscapes where time seems to have stood still for centuries.

Houghton Regis is part of the Dunstable-Luton conurbation but proudly maintains its own identity. Its most attractive feature is the large green in the centre of the town, overlooked by Houghton Hall - once a stately residence but now maintained for commercial office use.

• Luton Carnival

The parish church next to the town's shopping centre is, incidentally, the place where Hollywood film star Gary Cooper was christened.

Luton itself exploded from a tiny market town to bustling industrial base during the 19th century, when it became a major centre of hat manufacture which gave Luton Town's players their famous nickname.

Developing into a major engineering centre, most famously home to the Vauxhall motor works, urban development on either side of the motorway helped the town expand at a phenomenal rate.

On Dunstable's doorstep you have the popular attraction of the Dunstable Downs, popular with gliding enthusiasts and walkers alike.

• Luton Hoo

There are also major tourist attractions close at hand, such as Whipsnade Wild Animal Park and the famous Woburn Abbey stately home and safari park.

:: Contact

Address: Media House, 39 Upper George St, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 2RD.

Ad Doc: DX5946 Luton

Switchboard: 01582 700600

Editorial: T: 01582 700666 E: editorial@heraldpost.co.uk

Advertising: 01582 700601

Classified Advertising: 01582 700603

Distribution: 01234 409221

Frequency: Weekly title, published Thursdays. Free delivery, £1 where sold.