Eleven production posts at the Derry Journal are to be made redundant, with reporters trained to put together pages instead.

Two sub-editors, two proof-readers and two scanners have been made redundant, and a further five production staff are to be redeployed.

Two will work as page planners while three will take on reporters posts within the group.

The move follows the introduction of a new editorial system by owners Johnston Press, and will see reporters take on the role traditionally caried out by the production desk.

The editor of the Derry Journal, Martin McGinley, said a major programme of investment would help to drive future success for the operation, having introduced new systems before Christmas.

He confirmed that 11 jobs would go in production because of the changes but said this would be offset by new appointments to the editorial team.

He added that the company was also putting more resources into its free newspaper operation, with five new journalist posts as well as additional production and advertising staff.

He said: "This is a very significant investment by the Derry Journal and it's going to make a big difference going forward."

The Journal's editorial team has responsibility for page make-up for all its Derry titles, including the twice-weekly Derry Journal itself, the Sunday Journal and Foyle News.

The Derry Journal was bought by Johnston Press in 2005, having previously been owned by venture capitalist group 3i and Trinity Mirror.

One staff member, who asked not to be named, said: "We have experienced so many changes and morale is at an all-time low.

"It used to be a very prestigious place to work and we were blessed when we were operated by a family firm.

"Slowly but surely the journalists are taking over the jobs of the production staff."

The Derry Journal is published twice weekly, in tabloid format on Tuesdays and as a broadsheet on Fridays, and has a combined circulation of around 45,000.

The Derry Journal group also produces papers which circulate across the border in County Donegal in the Republic, including the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press and Donegal on Sunday.