A weekly newspaper says it has been “inundated” with positive responses from readers after publishing its first ever tabloid edition.

As reported by HTFP last week, the Herald series, which covers parts of Surrey and Hampshire, had published its last broadsheet edition after 127 years in a bid to become more “reader-friendly”.

The change was decided after editorial manager Colin Channon appealed to readers and advertisers upon taking the reins at the Herald in October, asking what they wanted from their local paper.

As well as the change in size, the Herald says it has added more local news and sport, and increased its pagination to introduce a new leisure section.

Head of Content Daniel Gee told HTFP: “There was always going to be a bit of trepidation making such a huge change after 127 years of printing in broadsheet.

“But the key message is that we’re building on, not abandoning, the traditional, independent, community-focused values that have made the Herald the successful, much-loved paper it is today.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work and late nights, but we’re blessed to have an excellent team pushing forward these changes and it’s credit to them that we’ve got to where we need to be to ensure the Herald is around for another 127-years.”

Daniel added the Herald had been “inundated” with positive comments about the switch since the first tabloid edition came out yesterday.

The five-edition weekly – which serves Farnham, Haslemere, Alton, Bordon and Liphook – is owned by Tindle Newspapers.