A new Saturday special from the Lincolnshire Echo hit the streets at the weekend.

The 64-page paper, complete with entertainments and TV listings pages, was published from a 7am print run to compete with the nationals on the news-stands.

The Saturday edition used to comprise a 28-page newspaper, but feedback suggested this felt a little "flimsy" in the readers' hands. Pagination has been rising steadily during the last three years.

But the beefed-up 64-page version, complete with a seven-day TV guide (above) for the first time - is targeting sales to match the weekday sales of the Echo, at around 29,000.

Editor Mike Sassi said: "We've done a lot of work on the Echo in the past three years. Now we're getting to work on our Saturday edition."

The Saturday Echo includes a 12-page The Word section (below) that gives "detailed high-quality features" and news.

Mike said: "It gives the readers a chance to enjoy some analytical, longer pieces that are relevant to the news but which you can't always get written while news is breaking and developing.

"We're using nationally-known authors and writers to write columns that are relevant to this area and our readers.

"As well as an analysis section there are fanzine pages for the two footballs clubs along with letters and opinions. We're covering DIY, home and garden and even launched the gardening club this weekend with a free packet of bulbs for every reader!

"It's still the same newspaper with the same comprehensive county news - and despite the early print run we're also keeping the city Final edition to cover breaking news and keeping the Saturday sporting 'Green Un.

"The real difference people will see is in the pagination and content. It's a read that will last them through the weekend."

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