HUDDERSFIELD Examiner readers held a little piece of history in their hands yesterday when the new compact paper hit the stands.

Some people queued along Byram Street to get their very first copies of the paper from Ryans newsagents at Kirkgate.

Although marking an end to the Examiner's 150-year history as a broadsheet, buyers overwhelmingly said the change was long overdue and gave the new look a resounding thumbs up.

Editor Roy Wright, who has spent months on the re-design, was on hand to meet loyal readers and sign commemorative copies.

He delivered two bundles of Examiners personally to Ryans and listened to the customer reaction.

Ryans staff decorated the premises with bunting while champagne flowed - adding to the party atmosphere.

Mr Peter Edinburgh, 72, of Almondbury, was the first customer to get hold of the new tabloid copy, praising it for the ease of use.

Huddersfield Giants mascot, the Big G, greeted customers both young and old waiting patiently in the sun outside the shop.