Newspaper publisher Trinity Mirror is to launch a new free paper in Aberdeen – the heart of rival DC Thomson’s patch.

The Aberdonian will be available each Thursday as an insert inside Scottish red-top the Daily Record.

The new 32-page paper, to be launched this Thursday, will be inserted free into the North East edition of the Record and will also be available from vendors and selected retailers including supermarkets, key business premises and leisure destinations.

The new title, which will have a distribution of 15,000 and will aim to reach around 40,000 readers, is being edited by Murray Foote, group editor of Media Scotland, and a former journalist in Aberdeen.

Murray’s team includes award-winning journalist Charlie Gall, north east sports writer Michael Gannon and a host of star columnists.

They will provide news, business, sport and entertainment for the Aberdonian, as well as for an expanded northern edition of the Record.

Said Murray: “I’m proud to be fronting the launch of a new newspaper as well as the expansion of our north east coverage in the Daily Record.

“This is a big, brave statement of intent from Media Scotland and a clear signal that we will invest in local news. We have a great team in place to deliver a quality newspaper to champion the people of Aberdeen.”

Allan Rennie, editor in chief of Media Scotland added: “The Aberdonian will inform and entertain, with business andentertainment becoming weekly staples.

“At the back of the newspaper our coverage will be devoted to grass-roots sports. We will not be wedded to any single political party or cosy up to vested interests.

“We promise a platform for alternative voices to generate informed debate about local issues. The only opinions that matter are those of the people living and working in Aberdeen.

“With help, support and feedback from our readers and advertisers we hope it will evolve into a newspaper that Aberdeen can be proud of.”