A former regional daily journalist has gained backing to push ahead with plans for a new newspaper in Scarborough.

Pete Spence, a former Scarborough Evening News sub-editor, revealed his plans last December to launch a newspaper for the seaside town, which he hoped would be a weekly publication.

Now he has joined forces with the existing Review brand, which publishes titles in the Holme Valley, Marple and High Peak areas, to launch a new free monthly title which should be launched in June or July.

It means the battle for news in the town is hotting up following the launch of a monthly Scarborough Voice magazine in March, which came after the decision by regional publisher Johnston Press to turn the News into a weekly rather than daily publication.

Pete said: “The Scarborough Review will be a huge draw to advertisers because of its free pick-up and varied distribution.

“Not only will it hit all major supermarkets, but will also be in those places paid titles can not be distributed to, such as hotels, gymnasiums and sports venues.”

The title will publish 10,000 copies each month of the 32-page paper, which will focus on news, sport and community issues with a 50/50 split of advertising and editorial.

To encourage new advertisers to join, the paper is offering a 20pc discount over six months for those who advertise from the first edition.

The Review brand has been established for more than 25 years.

The Scarborough Voice was launched as a free monthly magazine in March with a print run of 15,000 and is being led by Matthew Thurston.