The Jewish Chronicle has launched a northern edition for the first time in its 169-year history.

The new edition, which goes on sale today, is designed to cater for the large Jewish communities in cities such as Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.

Speaking at a launch event in Manchester this week, editor Stephen Pollard explained: “The Jewish communities in the north have long felt that the JC is far too London-centric and I think they were right.

“Our readers begged us to launch a northern version of the paper and, though overdue, we’re delighted to have now responded to that demand.”

Editorial content for the JC North will be headed by northern correspondent Jonny Kalmus.

According to the publishers, the title will offer “national and international news, heavyweight commentary, humour and culture, which has been the trademark of the JC for over a century.”

The move means the paper will compete head to head with the family-owned Jewish Telegraph, based in Bury Old Road in Manchester.