THE Argus is 135 years old today.

The newspaper, the only daily title in Sussex, was printed for the first time on March 30, 1880.

Since then we have reported on wars, floods, cup finals, murders, royal babies and much more.

To mark the birthday, we have produced a special anniversary supplement, free inside today’s paper.

A special ticketed lunch is also being held at The Grand hotel in Brighton today.

Speaking at the event, editor of The Argus, Mike Gilson, will say: “The need for a trusted source of news will survive.

“As digital start-ups come and go and doubts spread about who is writing much of this stuff, suddenly the 135 year history of The Argus brand is not a chain around our necks but a launch pad to take us to the next stage.

“Make no mistake, Brighton and our part of the South Coast needs a daily journalistic presence lifting the rocks to find out what’s underneath, flagging up the unsung heroes and the successes and standing up for the underdog.

“We live in a big important place and I pledge The Argus under my editorship will place itself at the centre of debate, campaigning for change where it’s needed and continuing to play its 135-year role in keeping our communities connected.”

The paper is named after the all-seeing ancient Greek mythical giant with 100 eyes.

In the first issue, the editor set out the paper’s goals in an editorial.

Back then we said the paper would be for “men of business and for busy men”.

It continued that the paper would be “bright, interesting and pithy” with the “occasional, admixture of a lighter element in the form of short, complete and stirring tales”.

Mr Gilson added: “There have been decades of blood, sweat and tears that journalists, advertising staff, circulation folk, paper boys and girls and all the myriad numbers of people have given to make sure that the news and views of our communities are covered.

“The triumphs and the tears, the hopes and fears and all the stages of life that we all go through.

“We cherish that history – we are proud of it.

“It gives us that crucial hard-won quality of trust; we are woven into the fabric of the place and we intend to stay there.”

See the supplement in the centre of The Argus today.