Husband and wife team Courtenay and Laura Hitchcock freely admit their background is not in journalism or local newspaper/magazine publishing.

But it hasn’t stopped their digital magazine for north Dorset – The Blackmore Vale – gaining close to 10,000 monthly subscribers since its launch six months ago.

More readers are signing up as each issue goes online.

And its click-through rate (CTR) is 680 per cent higher than the industry average.

Without question the high publication values of the purely online 90 page-plus digital magazine – rivalling the best quality glossy magazines – is a key factor in its success to date.

But also a decision by the couple to call on the advice, and assistance, of others who, collectively, have some 180 years’ experience of local publishing.

Or, as Laura puts it: “Know what you know, and charm people into sharing what you don’t.”

They include a multi-award winning editor of business magazines who ran his own publishing and political lobbying business; an ex Team GB reporter for three Olympics, and a woman’s lifestyle editor with 20 years’ experience in regional journalism.

The team is strengthened by Fanny Charles, the highly-respected former Editor of the original Blackmore Vale Magazine which was permanently closed by Reach plc last August.

Laura said: “I approached an outstanding group of highly experienced editors and journalists who offered advice and have quickly became much-loved columnists to the local Dorset readership.

“Their skills and generosity with their time have been astounding.

“They don’t know the digital side – but that’s not the area in which I’m lacking.”

Laura, 46, and Courtenay, 54, have lived in north Dorset for almost 30 years and have four children.

Courtenay, a professional wedding photographer for 20 years, worked first in the City and has experience in sales and recruitment, while Laura is an award-winning blogger.

The couple say the digital BV proves there is huge demand for interactive media, even among more mature readers.

A quarter of all readers are of retirement age.

Laura said: “More than ever before, all age groups are consuming their media digitally.

“Readers tell us that they love the ease of reading it on a tablet.

“Plus the links within the magazine, where they can immediately access more information and videos linked to the topic.”

• To subscribe to The Blackmore Vale click here. Contributors to the digital magazine include Dorset Biz News.