The last newspaper printing press on the Isle of Man is closing today with the loss of seven jobs.

Production of the island’s three Johnston Press-owned titles is moving to Dinnington, near Sheffield, from Monday.

The move, which was first announced in November, affects the Isle of Man Examiner, Manx Independent and the Courier.

The three titles have been printed at the plant in Peel Road, Douglas for the last 19 years.

Examiner editor Richard Butt said the change would “improve the quality of the publications”.

He said:  “The current press produces a maximum of 48 pages at a time meaning papers have to be printed in sections and put together by hand. The Dinnington press is capable of printing 192 pages in full colour which will help with advertising.”

Seven full-time posts are being made redundant as a result of the move along with some casual staff.

The printed newspapers will be transported to the island by ferry, along with the UK national newspapers.