The Blackpool Gazette has launched a new online picture service for its readers.

A new photosales site linked to the Gazette’s main website, allows readers to order prints of pictures taken by the newspaper’s photographers.

The site is updated regularly with a selection of new pictures which have appeared in the paper, and in time every picture that appears in the paper will be available to buy online.

There will also be a facility to add pictures from breaking news stories to the site almost immediately, if required, and archives of photographs from key events in the area, such as the Cup Final of 1953 and a recent Donny Osmond concert, have already been set up.

Readers can browse through the pictures, and then order prints through an online form on the site.

Senior web designer Sean Baldwin said: “We already have a photosales department at the newspaper and readers have been able to order pictures by telephone or coming into the office, but this website will allow them to order online from home.

“Ex-pats will also be able to log on to the Gazette website and buy photographs, perhaps of anyone they know or for presents.”