THE Oxford Times is to switch from a broadsheet to a compact format from March 7.

Changes will affect the news, sport, jobs and classified sections. The property section will remain broadsheet.

Editor of The Oxford Times Derek Holmes said: "This is a historic change. Our research tells us this is what readers want. It is also essential if The Oxford Times is to continue to attract new readers and maintain its place as Oxfordshire's leading weekly newspaper.

"We are changing the size of the paper, but our values will remain the same. We will explain more over the coming weeks."