The Ely Standard has unveiled a new look to readers, marking the event with an open day at its offices.

The weekly paper, published by Archant Herts & Cambs, has undergone a redesign which includes a new masthead – dropping its blue background for a simpler black on white look.

Its pagination has increased from 40 to 56 pages, and new typefaces have been introduced throughout.

The new space has also allowed the paper’s story count to be increased, and picture spreads and more weighty features have been added.

Editor Debbie Davies said: “We have undergone a redesign which, for a long-established paper in a traditional area, is quite a big thing.

“But it seems to have gone down very well, with readers commenting that it is cleaner and fresher.”

To mark the launch of the new-look Ely Standard, more than 70 well-wishers joined staff at its newly-refurbished Market Street office.

Guests included town crier Avril Hayter-Smith, who announced the event to shoppers at the market, Archant chief executive John Fry and local station Star FM which gave away balloons.

Debbie said the success of the event helped kick off the first issue with a bang.

She said: “It was fantastic to see some familiar faces, as well as some new ones.

“We pride ourselves on being a genuine community newspaper, and it’s always a pleasure for us to meet our readers and customers face to face.”