The North Devon Journal has unveiled plans to move to a new 6,000sq ft building in Barnstaple early in 2006.

Plans for the move to the purpose-built offices on Roundswell Business Park have been approved by the planning authorities, and work has already started on the building.

The new two-storey headquarters will house the Northcliffe-owned Journal's editorial, advertising and administration teams.

Staff are expected to move from their current High Street offices into the new building in February 2006.

Journal managing editor Andy Cooper said: "This is a very exciting time for everyone here at the Journal.

"The paper has grown beyond all recognition in the past ten years and the simple truth is that we have outgrown our current building.

"The modern building we are proposing to move to will mean our staff can work in comfort and will be able to travel to and from work with ease.

"We are looking forward to moving in early next year and strengthening our ability to provide our readers and advertisers with a first class service at all times."