A series of free newspapers have been put up for sale after their editorial director and publisher decided to step down.

The Govan Press, Southside Press and East Renfrewshire Press serve the south of Glasgow and have a combined fortnightly circulation of 35,000.

Now John Maclean is stepping down from the running of the papers he bought six years ago, citing workload.

Both John and his sales director, are understood to be in discussions with a number of groups over the future of the titles.

Said John: “I’m so proud of what Lesley and I achieved in taking over the Govan Press – which was printing 16 pages once a month with a 12,000 circulation – and turning it into a group of papers with 40 jam-packed, great-looking pages and 35,000 copies being printed and distributed every two weeks.

“The papers were very popular with both readers and advertisers. Unfortunately, I feel at this stage that I have to take a step off the hamster wheel and catch a breath.

“I’m sure the titles have a great future. We have built up a great following and a wonderful bank of regular advertisers, thanks to Lesley’s sterling efforts.

“My thanks go to her and all our other contributors, supporters and readers for six amazing years.”