A former editor who set up a hyperlocal website on his former patch has joined forces with Archant to launch a companion print edition.

Everything Epping Forest was launched by David Jackman after he was made redundant from the Epping Forest Guardian and now registers 200,000 hits a month.

Now he is to reverse publish the site into a monthly colour magazine after teaming up with regional publisher Archant London.

The first edition of the magazine – also called Everything Epping Forest – will be published towards the end of March.

Said David:  “I’m passionate about local news and local events and a firm believer that even the smallest snippet of news is worthy of reporting, whether it is a coffee morning or a report from a local club.

“The idea of publishing a regular, high quality printed edition with a mass circulation has always been in my thoughts but has been prohibitive for printing and distribution reasons.

“To be approached by Archant London to work with them and provide the editorial for a monthly printed title to be delivered to some 10,000 households, with Archant handling the advertising, printing and distribution side of the operation, has really taken Everything Epping Forest to another level.

“The Everything Epping Forest website will continue to feature its usual mix of regularly updated local news and information while the magazine will raise awareness of the site as the Everything Epping Forest name gets into thousands of homes each month.”

Tony Little, commercial director of Archant London, added:  “Archant are continually looking at new and innovative ways to interact with readers and advertisers.

“Ultimately we want to serve and add value to the local community by providing platforms for those who are interested in where they live, what’s going on there and how to obtain the services they need.

“Therefore we are delighted to be working with David who is a much–respected local journalist, with important contacts in the local area.

“His success with Everything Epping Forest, with 200,000 plus hits a month to date, should be applauded and we are delighted to get involved with such a successful community-focused initiative.”