In local newspaper offices, away from the conglomeration of desks around which sat a hapless crew of hacks, were treasure troves hidden in corners and cupboards.

Once upon a time, a Chancellor of England, Sir Thomas More, had his head hacked from his body as a consequence of his failure to swear loyalty to his king. In the dramatised version of his life, 'A Man for all Seasons' the following exchange with his son-in-law Will Roper (the man who sold him to the King's spies) was reported.

As you no doubt remember from your days working on a serious newspaper, reader letters tend to fall into one of two categories...

I’m looking for a sharp brain, attached to a work ethic, with oodles of intelligence, imagination, initiative, integrity and good humour.