The Aberdeen Independent has joined forces with three of Archant's weekly newspapers in a bid to strengthen its advertising.

The two companies have joined together to better compete with the daily Press and Journal in Aberdeen.

The alliance means that advertising will be sold as a package through the free Aberdeen Independent and the paid-for Buchan Observer, Fraserburgh Herald and Ellon Times titles.

The partnership will cover classified and run of paper advertising.

Michael Robertson, regional director of Archant NE Scotland, said: "The alliance between our high penetration paid-for titles and the mass distribution city newspaper will give us a cutting edge in the fiercely contested market place in north east Scotland."

To coincide with the change, the Aberdeen Independent is also extending its weekly distribution to include the towns of Stonehaven and Banchory.

Aberdeen Independent managing director Paul Robins said: "I am delighted to be working with Archant in this way. Initial response from our advertisers to this news has been very positive.

"I think this new package will particularly appeal to recruitment advertisers in and around Aberdeen, and offers a meaningful and serious alternative to the Press and Journal."