The Truro-based West Briton has recorded another big slump in sales, according to the latest figures just released by the newspaper industry's audit body.

The newspaper's sales have been falling since the end of 2003 when they peaked at 52,593 copies a week. The latest data from the Audit Bureau of Circulations show they are now 20.38% below this figure.

The West Briton's average weekly sale in the audit period January-June this year was 41,872, showing that 10,721 fewer people are now buying the paper each week compared to 2003. In January this year weekly sales were averaging 41,974 copies a week but this had fallen to 40,676 a week by June. The latest sales figures include 1,220 copies a week which are sold at a discounted rate.

The Packet's sales are audited annually rather than six-monthly, as with the West Briton, and the 2007 results will not therefore be available until the New Year. In 2006, however, sales were shown to be increasing - up 1% year-on-year - and Packet editor Terry Lambert said yesterday that the company was pleased with current progress.