From Monday (12 October), the publication, which was bought earlier this year by Russian businessman Alexander Lebedev, will be given away in the capital, with run circulation increased from 250,000 to 600,000.

Initially, the move appeared to put the Evening Standard in direct competition with Associated Newspapers' London Lite title. Associated Newspapers still prints the Standard at its Harmsworth Quays facility and retains a minority stake in the title.

However, editor Geordie Greig told the Guardian this week: "They have been very supportive of the Standard. They are backing it and there's more money coming in and they are part of it."

He added that the Evening Standard board had informed Associated Newspapers of the decision, but the decision was made independently.

London Lite rival News International's Thelondonpaper closed last month, leaving the afternoon London freesheet market as a monopoly.