The publisher did not wish to comment on the run length of the title, which is printed at its Oldham plant where employees have voted to take industrial action over pay.

Editor Mark Thomas said: "Throughout our 156 years, we have always been an innovative newspaper, adapting and changing to match the challenges of the times. This is the next step in that evolution and the start of an exciting new chapter."

He added that news coverage will remain central to the paper, but with "greater in-depth analysis" of the big stories affecting the city in politics and regeneration, industry, education, health and human interest.

An extended 24-page business section and 24-page weekly culture pull-out, will also be included, while sports coverage will move away from straight match reporting and player quotes and provide deeper analysis.