READERS are eagerly awaiting the launch of the historic first "compact" edition of The Northern Echo.

Tomorrow, the usually broadsheet Echo will be printed in a handier-sized format.

Although The Northern Echo will still be broadsheet from Monday to Friday, it will become compact on Saturdays only.

Whether The Northern Echo - launched in 1870 - converts to compact size six days a week will depend on the reaction of readers and advertisers.

A trial edition of the reduced-size paper has received an overwhelming thumbs-up from readers during market research.

The aim was to retain the feel of The Northern Echo, with the same blend of local, regional and national news, campaigning edge, and great columnists.

Dot Atkinson, 89, has bought The Northern Echo since she was married in 1939 and moved to Darlington.

She said yesterday: "I look forward to my Echo being delivered every day.

"I never read any other papers because they're full of rubbish, but the Echo has everything I want to read: local and national news. I also really like the football coverage.

"When I found out about the new size on Saturdays, I thought 'lovely'.

"I'm very pleased to hear the content will be the same but the size will be smaller. I'm sure people will like it better."

Zoe Birkett, who found fame on television talent show Pop Idol and is starring in the Beauty and the Beast pantomime at Darlington Civic Theatre, also welcomed the new Saturday style.

Miss Birkett, from Darlington, said: "It's great, the right size to fit in your handbag. It looks good and feels lighter.

"We had The Echo when I was younger and my family read it. I like the change."

The new Saturday paper will be bigger value and more colourful than before.

It features a unique new guide to property prices in the North-East, showing what houses have sold for.

There is also a bigger, brighter motors section for those looking to buy a car.

And the sports section has been extended with the introduction of jockeys' colours for televised races.

* Tell us what you think of the new-look Northern Echo by calling our free hotline number 0800 132401.