An independent publisher is making 10pc of its journalism exclusive to registered readers online – but will keep the stories free to read.

The Midland News Association has announced the launch of what it has called a “freewall” – where some content is reserved for registered users without them needing to pay a subscription.

The exclusive online content will be made available to those who sign up, with the MNA saying the scheme will create “a direct relationship with more of its users” and help it understanding which content drives the most registrations.

Titles owned by the MNA include regional dailies the Wolverhampton Express & Star and Shropshire Star.

Behind the freewall there will be a range of ‘premium’ content including news stories and investigative reports that are not available anywhere else, potentially including exclusive pictures.

There will also be in-depth analysis and opinion pieces from expert journalists or industry insiders.

Editor-in-chief Martin Wright, pictured, said: “We’re excited to launch this new freewall as it gives us a great opportunity to understand our readers’ needs better and build relationships with them directly.

“We look forward to seeing how they respond to this change and how we can use it to improve their experience with our digital output.

“In order to access our premium content, users must first create an account. This process takes just a few seconds.

“We are committed to delivering quality journalism that is engaging and informative for all our readers. By creating this freewall, we hope to continue providing meaningful content, while also helping us understand which stories resonate most with our audience.”

Mark Morris, group digital editor for the MNA, added: “Since we launched the freewall we’ve had some incredible content that people can read by signing up through our websites.

“This has included an investigation into how Wolverhampton became part of a global people smuggling industry, a look inside the business of a Shropshire-based investigation agency and a stunning picture story focused on RAF Cosford and the Dambusters.”