A free weekly newspaper has undergone a total redesign with a rebranding of its content and a poster-style front page.

The Exmouth Herald, published by Archant South West, has been redesigned as a weekender/leisure type product, carrying what’s on news as well as topics such as book reviews, fashion, readers’ photographs and a chef’s page.

Archant said the paper’s redesign was aimed at the giving the freesheet a clearly defined new role – and an exciting, new look.

It was developed by the company’s head of editorial design, Dominic Castle, working alongside commercial director Anna Atkinson and Devon newspaper group editor Phil Griffin.

The front page of the redesigned Exmouth Herald

The Herald circulates in the same town as the paid-for Exmouth Journal, also owned by Archant.

Said Phil:  “We wanted to give both the free and the paid-for titles the chance to grow by giving them different editorial functions.”

Sales manager Daniel Frye said: “We recognised that the two papers were competing with each, rather than complementing each other. They now have very clear roles in the market place.

“We’re delighted with the feedback we’re getting. It has really enthused the sales team.”