An edition of a Yorkshire weekly paper has ceased publication with the last one hitting the shops this week.

The paid-for Northallerton, Thirsk and Bedale Times was an edition of the Ripon Gazette produced from its offices in the town.

Its team of three reporters will now focus on the Gazette and free title the North Yorkshire News.

No jobs will be lost or offices closed and, according to the latest ABC figures, the paper had a circulation of 495 copies.

In a separate development, parent company Johnston Press has announced the possible loss of six page planning jobs in Yorkshire.

It is not yet known whether this will affect the Ripon Gazette.

A memo to staff from Stephen Plews, MD of Johnston Press subsidiary Ackrill Media Group, and seen by HTFP said: “Following a detailed review of the page planning departments within Yorkshire Weekly Newspaper Group, Ackrills Media Group, and Yorkshire Regional Newspapers the company proposes to centralise this function within the Beacon Team in Leeds.

“As a result of this proposal up to six roles will be at risk of redundancy.

“In the event this proposal goes ahead, the company will endeavour to minimise the impact of the proposal through voluntary redundancy and re-deployment to alternative positions within the company and the group.”

Mr Plews was unavailable for further comment.