A weekly newspaper has published the first compact edition in its history after 152 years as a broadsheet.

The Hexham Courant has switch from its traditional broadsheet format after what the paper has described as “extensive” research with readers and advertisers.

The CN Group-owned title says the change is aimed at packaging the newspaper’s same traditional brand of news, sport and features into a more convenient and accessible product.

The Courant was the last remaining broadsheet in the North-East of England, and published its first 80-page compact edition, pictured below, on Friday.

An announcement by the paper reads: “The fresh new form will help the Courant team to provide even more relevant content for the loyal audience of thousands which turn to the title each week.

“This week’s first 80-page compact edition marks a significant investment in the newspaper and its commitment to continuing to develop and thrive to meet the demands of the digital world we now live in.”

Courant editor Colin Tapping added: “Rest assured, there will be no let up in our traditional ethos to provide an unrivalled service to the communities we serve, and to champion those communities at all times.

“Indeed, we now have a wonderful opportunity to extend and improve that service, as you will see, for example in our new property, motoring and what’s on sections.”

The move means CN weekly The Cumberland News is now the group’s last remaining broadsheet.

Commenting on the changes, Colin told HTFP: “Reaction so far has been overwhelmingly positive. One of the readers who has contacted us was a 96-year-old who has been reading the Courant for more than 60 years and said the move to a smaller size was ‘the best thing since sliced bread”.

“He was delighted to be able to read it with his breakfast at the kitchen table. He rang up the office to pass on his congratulations to everybody involved.”