The Independent is promising a special edition on Friday to celebrate its 25th birthday.
There will be a personal account of the paper’s origins by founding editor Andreas Whittam Smith as well as contributions from some of the paper’s ’eminent readers”.

It is a birthday that two years ago no-one would have bet on The Independent reaching. Back then, debt-laden owner Independent News & Media looked certain to close the loss-making title.
Instead, Russian billionaire Alexander Lebedev came forward and took the paper over in March 2010. He was paid £9.25m by IN&M for taking on the paper’s liabilities.

Proprietor Evgeny Lebedev said in a statement: ‘I am extremely proud to be publisher of this great newspaper 25 years after its birth. Our journalists share the commitment to excellence and a spirit of independence that were our founding principles. Chris Blackhurst is producing an excellent and confident paper, and our plans for digital expansion will ensure The Independent is a global brand held in the highest esteem”.