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Broadsheet weekly’s lifestyle sections go tabloid

A weekly broadsheet title has relaunched two of its regular sections in tabloid format.

The Cumberland News has switched its Life and Homes sections after carrying out research with readers and advertisers.

It launched the new-look supplements with an increase in cover price of 10p to £1, although a new range of subscription offers mean readers can get the paper for the old price, or less if bought with sister CN Group title the News & Star.

The revamp of its lifestyle sections is being promoted with a six-week campaign across North Cumbria, including billboard posters.

The first new edition of the paper saw it print a 28-page main broadsheet book, wrapped round a 72-page Life section, including entertainment, jobs and motors, a 48-page Homes section and 16-page weddings supplement.

Editor David Helliwell said: “The lifestyle section was overdue a revamp and it made a whole lot of sense to us to convert it to a handier size. Reaction to the dummy was good and the early signs with both advertisers and readers is positive.

“The first week we were offering the equivalent of 192 tabloid pages covering all manner of news, sport, ads and offers for £1. In this day and age I would say that’s pretty good value.

“We were really pleased to also get the subscription offer up and running at the same time. Undoubtedly we need readers on longer contracts and to build stronger links with them.”