'SHANNON ALIVE'

Fantastic news that Shannon Matthews was found alive this afternoon.

I was with the Chamber of Commerce in Edgbaston when the first line of a story came through just after 2pm today. This, for information, was after usual 'final' deadlines with the normal Birmingham Mail print order already being delivered by vans.

The call came through from Alf Bennett, assistant editor on duty back in the office. First things first, the breaking story (and updates by the minute) were uploaded to birminghammail.net by multi-media editor Anna Jeys. Then: "Can we publish an extra final?" Yes, was the answer Alf needed, but a couple of checks first.

A quick call to the presses (The Fort, Erdington) and manager Nick Cahm confirmed that the plates were still in place and a final edition could be produced. A quick call to newspaper sales manager Keith Leeming and yes, he could call enough people in to distribute.

Then zooming back to the office to watch as chief reporter Emma Cullwick pieced together the emerging story from the agency wires. A quick tweak from news editor Jim Levack and it was over to page planners.

Today's splash sub Russ Youll cleared the entire front page, chief sub Gary Denning rejigging stories inside in preparation. The story was laid out in minutes, including breaking updates as the live details changed twice in five minutes. Where she was found changed. A man arrested.

By 3pm, the completed new front and inside pages were over at The Fort, and vans were waiting with idling engines as the papers rolled off the press.

A minimum of 1,500 copies for distribution to our dozen-plus street vendors, city centre sales outlets and eight supermarkets across the city.

The new page one showed a half page picture of Shannon with the huge headline...

SHANNON
ALIVE

...and the overline read...

Missing girl, 9
found in flat -
Man, 39, arrested

A real team effort from editorial, print works and newspaper sales.

Newspapers are many things in 2008. But nothing beats the buzz of a live story like this.