A hyperlocal news publisher has launched a new website funded entirely by donations from readers.

The Shetland News has unveiled the site, which was built with £20,000 offered up following an appeal to its readership.

The News currently attracts around 80,000 unique users per month, and publishes between five and eight original news stories a day.

More than 300 people currently support the website financially, either with a small monthly subscription or one-off donations.

Managing editor Hans J. Marter said: “A major upgrade of our website was essential to keep up with what is expected of a modern website design.

“Yet investing around £20,000 is a major challenge for a small company such as ours. There was no public funding available to help with such a venture, so we decided to ask our readers.”

The News currently employs two journalists, Chris Cope, who is also a part-time BBC local democracy reporter, and Peter Johnson, who currently works three days a week.

Hans added: “We are committed to keeping Shetland News a free resource, however the reality is that we can’t develop the news service any further without readers being willing to pay for their daily news.

“So the supporters’ scheme is a compromise between keeping the site free to access and giving those who feel passionate enough about our work a chance to contribute financially.

“I would like to express my gratitude to everybody who has helped us achieving this major milestone. Without your help this would not have been possible.”