November 1979: The first issue is created by two brothers, Chris and Simon Donald, in Newcastle upon Tyne.

November 1985: Richard Branson's Virgin Publishing backs the magazine and puts a young executive, John Brown, in charge.

November 1987: Mr Brown convinces Mr Branson to allow him to set up an independent company - John Brown Publishing - and to take a 20% stake.

Summer 1989: Sharon and Tracey, the Fat Slags, are born. Tracey soon appears in advertising for Tennent's.

August 1991: Viz hits its peak circulation of 1.2m. It is the third best selling magazine in England.

Summer 1994: Chris Donald, the founding editor, appears on BBC TV's Wogan show.

Summer 1999: Chris Donald retires, leaving the magazine to be edited by his younger brother Simon, assisted by the long-term contributors, Graham Dury and Davy Jones, and the new boy, Alex Collier.

May 2001: John Brown sells Viz to James Brown's I Feel Good Publishing for £6.4m.