The first edition of the new-look Romford and Havering Post was published on Wednesday (9 September) after a complete re-design, taking it from a quarterfold to a 48-page tabloid paper.
The weekly title will operate as a sister title to flagship paid-for the Romford Recorder, focusing on breaking news and lighter, quirky stories, according to the publisher.
News editor Laura Burnip, who joined Archant as a senior reporter in June 2014, said: "I'm delighted to be coming on board as news editor of the paper. While the Recorder provides in-depth analysis, interviews and features, the Post will give readers a mid-week update on breaking news. We want to make it an entertaining read, with fun and quirky stories, and highlight our readers' achievements."
The new Post includes two new features, with TV personality Richard Madeley taking part in the first Post Playlist, and rock singer Suzi Quatro featuring in Q&A Post People.
Columnists beauty expert Jenny Townsend, yoga columnist Mary Griffiths, healthy living enthusiast Julie Blakebrough and West Ham fan Mike Foley will also be contributing.
Jackie Ross, Features, Entertainments, Private Classified & Leaflets Manager, said: "The new tabloid Havering Post should attract more national bookings. So far we have had good feedback from advertisers who feel the tabloid is more of a newspaper - the quarterfold was preserved more as a magazine."
She said it was good to have subject matters in advance to sell advertising against, with the Post including a charity page, animals page and two education pages each week. "It's a good teaser for our paid-for Romford Recorder," she added.
