The subscription package, which costs $3 a week, includes around-the-clock access to all of the local news, sport and opinion published by the Port News, as well as essential community information and the latest national news and sport, plus lifestyle, health and travel advice.

Readers can sign up and pay at portnews.com.au from today.

The first 30 days of full website access is free for subscribers, who can choose to pay monthly or take out an annual subscription and receive a 20 per cent discount.

Subscribers also get access to a digital replica of each day’s print edition of the newspaper, so they can read every page on their iPad. There’s also the option to receive regular news updates, including breaking-news alerts, by email.

In a message to local audiences and advertisers, editor Tracey Fairhurst said offering subscriptions for unlimited website access gave regular online readers a way to support the Port News.

“We are proud to say that our local journalism is valued by our community,” Mrs Fairhurst said.

“Our newspapers have been keeping people informed, entertained and connected for decades, and subscriptions for website access will help us continue that mission.

“From today we are giving online readers a way to support us to continue providing the quality local journalism they trust and the local news and sport coverage they want.”

Visitors to portnews.com.au from today will be able to read five articles a month for free before they are invited to subscribe for unlimited website access.

Some content will remain open to all website visitors, including classified advertisements, such as birth and funeral notices, and recommended articles featuring local businesses and sponsored content.

Visitors can also sign up to have a free newsletter emailed regularly to their inbox, making it easier to browse the latest headlines and see what’s making news across the Hastings.

Visit portnews.com.au today to subscribe.