An independent weekly has launched a new Whatsapp service in a bid to increase its readership among younger people.

The Newbury Weekly News has started providing a bulletin service on the messaging app, which will see subscribers receive one story per day directly to their mobile phone.

Readers will also receive additional updates via the service during major incidents.

Weekly News editorial director Andy Murrill said the move is an attempt to “build brand awareness among future readers”.

He said: “The Newbury Weekly News is 151 years old but we are very much focused on the future.

“In addition to our award-winning Newbury Today website and news feeds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn we are now excited to be publishing on WhatsApp and Apple News.

“This will deliver our content to a younger audience and build brand awareness among future readers. We know that WhatsApp users are not our traditional print readers so this initiative will extend our reach in our community and beyond to a younger demographic.

“Combined with our news channel on Apple News we are excited to be part of the future of news publishing via multi-platforms.”