A new, high-quality free paper is set to be launched in Maidenhead by Berkshire Regional Newspapers, part of Trinity Mirror Southern.

The Maidenhead Express will hit the streets for the first time on Friday, October 8.

The launch of the new title forms part of wider changes to BRN’s portfolio in the area, with the Express Series – which also comprises titles in Slough and Windsor – undergoing a major revamp, with increased pagination, new supplements and back-to-back colour.

Express Series editor Paul Thomas said: “The Maidenhead Express is a free title with editorial content to rival some of the best paid-fors.

“Maidenhead is crying out for a quality free paper that gives readers a hard-hitting, relevant and easy-to-read package and offers advertisers tremendous value for their money.”

The group has taken on new staff – six in editorial and five in advertising – including dedicated reporters to work on the Maidenhead patch.

The series will be printed on Trinity Mirror’s new full-colour press in Cardiff, and will feature a new entertainment supplement called ‘Expresso’, a revamped motoring section and improved editorial throughout.

The Windsor Express, which is currently a paid-for, becomes a free title, but will retain its paid-for style and quality, with current editorial to advertising ratios remaining unchanged.

Some paid-for sale through existing newsagent outlets will be maintained in Slough and Windsor.

Publication of the titles is also moving from Thursday to Friday, which will see the papers going head-to-head with the competition.

The Weekend Express will cease publication at the end of September.

Richard Codd, publishing director at Berkshire Regional Newspapers, said: “There is a clear opportunity for a quality free publication in Maidenhead, where we’re looking at 93 per cent household penetration.

“As a result of our changes the Express Series is now without doubt one of the best free newspapers in the South East.”

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