First national newspaper 'for the North' launched

A new national newspaper aimed at readers in the North has launched today.

24 aims to offer a northern slant on national stories for "readers looking for a less expensive alternative to London-centric titles".

The tabloid-style weekday newspaper is available online and in shops priced at 40p.

Its circulation will stretch from Preston in the south to Lockerbie in the north and Workington in the west to Hexham in the east.

The Press Assocation will provide around 95% of 24's content including news, lifestyle, features, celebrity gossip and puzzles.

It will be edited by Mike Haworth, who has previously held senior editorial positions at the Daily Express, Sunday Express, Daily Star and Sunday Star.

Miller Hogg, chief executive at CN Group, who publish the paper, said: “24 will fill a large gap in the regional market by providing a northern take on the national headlines.

"We see our purpose as serving the communities in which we operate, so it follows that CN Group should produce a national newspaper tailored to our patch."

The only other new national newspaper launched recently, New Day, folded after just nine weeks.