Northcliffe Digital has redesigned its 26-strong network of regional websites.
In a statement the company today said it had relaunched the "This is" network in a bid to go 'beyond news and information'and become the 'first port of call for whatever they [users] want to know, do or find in their regions".
Northcliffe digital – the regional online arm of parent company Daily Mail and General Trust – claimed the "This is" network now attracts 5.9 million monthly unique users a month.
'Delivering great local news content remains at the heart of our mission, but we are now moving towards a more interactive and relevant social experience for our users,'said Northcliffe Digital managing director Roland Bryan.
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'The new sites are built around our users and promote interaction between people, local businesses and our content.
'Every piece of content across the Thisis network has calls to action to allow our users the opportunity to create, respond or discuss.
'As the internet becomes more social, it's crucial that we enable conversations between individuals in the community, the businesses that serve them as well as the journalists who are leading the local news agenda."
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The new websites also allow local companies to set up business profiles and upload special offers via a "Local Deals" section.
The websites cover the Midlands, the South West, North East and South East of England, and South Wales. They carry content from newspaper titles including the Hull Daily Mail, Western Daily Press and Bristol Evening Post. The last redesign of the network was in early 2010.
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