Media Wales is to axe its Cardiff Post free newspaper and replace it with a new title called Echo Extra, it was announced today.

The new title, which will be distributed to 52,000 homes, is designed to complement the company’s paid-for daily the South Wales Echo.

It will have a similar design to the daily paper and the same “brand values,” according to Echo editor Mike Hill.

The first edition of the new Echo Extra will be published on Thursday, 20 August.

Mr Hill, who will edit both titles, said: “The new Extra will hold the same brand values as the South Wales Echo which has established itself as a trusted and responsive editorial and advertising vehicle over more than a century.

“The Extra, with its fresh design which closely allies it to the daily title, will carry significantly more news, features and sport than the Post.

“We will encourage reader involvement through exclusive news, columnists, contributed items, response to stories and features, and through walesonline.co.uk.”

Trinity Mirror-owned Media Wales said Echo Extra will offer advertisers “significantly greater coverage across the whole Cardiff market.”