"The latest ABC figures are testament to the continuing strength of the medium," said PPA Marketing director of marketing Phil Cutts.

"Last year's focus was firmly on the men's weekly sector. This year we are seeing more emphasis on the women's weekly market."

Emap's Closer, printed by New Jarrold Printing, was one of the Women's sector's star performers with a 12% growth in circulation. The figures also revealed good news for Polestar, printer of new weeklies Pick Me Up and Grazia, which debuted with circulations of just over 500,000 and 154,000 respectively.

The men's weekly sector also showed healthy growth. Zoo, printed by St Ives, jumped 30.6% year-on-year, but it still trails IPC and Polestar Chantry's Nuts, which has broken the 300,000 barrier for the first time.

TV Listings magazines continue to lead the pack in terms of paid for issues, with three of the top four slots.

Story by Darryl Danielli