The Echo launched the Christchurch Times, which hit the streets for the first time since 1983 (with a completely new look) on Thursday.
The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Trish Jamieson helped Echo editor, Andy Martin and MD Vincent Boni with the launch.
The Times, which is being distributed on a part paid-for and part-free basis, has its own dedicated reporting team – including journalists Nick Churchill, Luke Hastings and Jason Lewis, as well as contributions from Echo staff writers.
It will be available from retailers at 40p, though there will also be some bulk distribution and door-to-door delivery.
Its revival by Echo publisher Newsquest means the Christchurch edition of the free Advertiser series, which is published in several towns across Dorset, has now been closed, say the publishers.
Andy Martin, editor and head of news at the Echo, Advertiser Series and the Times, said: “This is a very special project for us. Christchurch is a great town and a wonderful place to live.
“The newspaper will have a particular feel about it, covering the issues, profiling the different communities across the borough and providing lots of news and information.”
He added: “It is very rare for newspaper publishers to launch new print editions so we are delighted and proud to be doing that in Christchurch.
“Everyone knows there is a big debate going on about the future of historic Christchurch and so now it’s a great time to launch a heritage title. You could say it’s back to the future.”
The first issue features a masthead first used by the Advertiser 100 years ago in 1917, as well as local news, nostalgia, sport, and its traditional back page vox pop.
