For the first time ever, our reporters and photographers have the opportunity to film television news reports – available for you to view on demand on our website.

The first of those reports have been put on the site this week. Each week, articles in the newspaper will be clearly identified if they have accompanying video footage, making it easy for you to find it on our site.

Editor David Summers said today marked an important milestone in the history of the newspaper.

"During our coverage of The Bucks Herald's 175th anniversary we alluded to the fact that we were expecting some exciting changes in our newsroom in the next few months.

"Those changes have come quicker than expected and we are delighted to be able to launch BHTV this week.

"The biggest advantage we have is that the news bulletins we produce are purely based on local news – the other advantage is that the video reports will be generated by staff on The Bucks Herald, who are dedicated to bringing you local news coverage that is second to none," he added.

The reports produced this week were compiled by Damien Lucas, who has been charged with leading the introduction of the digital newsroom.

From now on, the website will be regularly updated with video reports, and there are some exciting projects planned for the future, incorporating all aspects of the newsroom.

"For the first time in its history, The Bucks Herald can bring you the news in whatever platform you want – in print, on line, and in video. No other news operation in the area can match the level of coverage we can now give you.

"We hope you enjoy the new video reports – and we would appreciate your ideas or suggestions about the reports themselves, and possible subject matter for future reports," Mr Summers added.

The Bucks Herald's website – www.aylesburytoday.co.uk – forms a major part of the daily agenda in the newsroom. And the growth of the website has been tremendous.

The figures for last year alone show that in 2006 there were 168,031 unique users visiting our website, compared to 89,380 the year before.

"Our website is updated on numerous occasions throughout a normal day – more if there is a breaking news story," Mr Summers explained. The website, he says, complements the newspaper rather than detracts from it.

"The philosophy is that the website is where we break the news, the newspaper is where we tell you why it is important. "The newspaper's role has become far more analytical in recent years, looking at stories in more depth than ever before, to reflect the change in the way we bring you the news.

"Obviously not everyone has access to the internet, so we still have a breaking news function in the newspaper.

"There is no doubt we are in interesting times for newspapers, but there is also no doubt in my mind that newspapers will be here for the long-term.

"The electronic media will play an increasing role, but there will still be a demand for the printed format. There will be more formats on which the newspaper will be available, many of which you and I cannot even begin to imagine.

"But no matter where you read the news, one constant will always remain. Somebody somewhere has to find the stories, write them and edit them.

"There will always be a place for journalism, and that is what we do best."