THIS week’s Gazette & Herald marks the end of an era – it is the last one to be printed in ‘broadsheet’ size.

From next week, Ryedale’s biggest-selling weekly newspaper will come to you in an exciting new compact format.

The change to a tabloid page size is something you, the readers, have been asking for. We have listened to what you said, and from next week the Gazette will be much easier to read in a handier size, a format which is much more flexible than a broadsheet, allowing us to add supplements or special sections.

Advertisers, too, will appreciate the new platforms and opportunities created for them.

But the change in size won’t mean a change in what the Gazette & Herald does best – bring you an unrivalled package of local news, sports, features and entertainment, plus properties for sale, job opportunities, motoring, bargains in the shops and much, much more.

All the elements which go towards making your Gazette the biggest and best read in Ryedale will remain, all packaged inside an exciting new look. Above all, we remain committed to providing you with the widest range of local news and information possible, presented in an informed and impartial way.

To help us to celebrate the change, we will be launching a series of fantastic promotional offers from Wednesday, November 26, including 5,000 fare-free flights with Ryanair (you only pay taxes and airport charges). In addition, you will get a free cup of tea when you buy your Gazette & Herald from selected outlets – see page 9 this week for details.

All in all, it’s an exciting time to be a Gazette & Herald reader – make sure you pick up your copy next week!