Two Midlands evening newspapers are doubling the page-count of their Saturday editions.
Relaunched Saturday editions for the Midlands News Association-owned Express & Star and Shropshire Star will see them go up from 40 pages to 80 pages as of 20 April.
Two journalists have been tasked with producing more news, sport and entertainment content to be shared across the two papers.
A pull-out supplement will be included in the new Weekend editions, giving readers local entertainment and lifestyle coverage, columnists, puzzles and a full weekly TV guide.
Managing director Phil Inman said: “The MNA is investing in the Saturday editions to deliver even better newspapers to the hundreds of thousands of readers who take time to enjoy our titles each weekend.
“Research has shown an overwhelmingly positive response to more local news, more local sport and increased entertainment coverage for the region.”
The MNA has spent thousands on the advertising campaign for the new editions, with 25 billboard adverts bearing the message “The Weekend Has Landed” going up around the West Midlands and Shropshire.
The price of the Saturday editions for the two titles will rise from 45p to 60p.
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