The Mansfield and Ashfield Recorder has been given a new look.

The first issue of the revamped paper hit the streets this week and includes more local news, together with many new features.

The layout of the paper has also been altered with the aim of making it more attractive and easier to read.

Changes to the paper follow a similar transformation of its sister title, the Nottingham Recorder, last October which has been very well received.

The most notable difference to the Mansfield paper is its new ’60 Second News’ sections, which see the paper’s story count go up thanks to the introduction of shorter news stories.

Reporter Jonathan Smart said: “The idea is that you leave the paper on your coffee table and every time you have a spare 60 seconds you pick it up and read one or two of the stories.”

Other new additions include showbiz news and celebrity gossip and a new weekly column, written by a single mum who will write about life bringing up two children.

There will also be weekend TV listings, sport, and old favourites such as a page dedicated to the local club and pub scene, homes and gardens features, a what’s on guide and a new weekly motoring guide.