The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a weekly newspaper to make a permanent switch to tabloid after 164 years as a broadsheet.

The Cornish & Devon Post has made the switch to the more compact format, which it says will it to “inject more news and more sport” into the paper.

The Launceston-based Post will also increase its pagination as a result of the change.

Its Tindle sister title the Abergavenny Chronicle previously revealed it was switching from broadsheet to tabloid, with publication day being brought forward by 24 hours.

In an announcement to readers, Post editor Suzanne Cleave said: Just like many small businesses, in view of COVID-19 we have had to change the way we publish ­ at the same time making sure we continue to serve the community. Nonetheless, we are committed to delivering a quality product for our readers.

“Over the years, the Post has built up a loyal readership and it is my aim to continue bringing you a comprehensive weekly newspaper, brimming with news, sport, features and much more.

“The change to tabloid will give us an opportunity to inject more news and more sport, while at the same time increasing pagination and providing readers better value for money,

“We will build upon, not leave behind, the traditional community-focussed values, ensuring the Post remains, as it always has, at the heart of the community.”