THE Observer's sister paper, Asian News, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a decision to take the publication in an exciting new direction.

From now on the publication for the local Asian population will be online only, dropping its traditional newspaper format. All news, features, entertainment, Bollywood coverage, letters, health and beauty tips, readers' opinions and much more will go directly onto the web.

They will join favourites such as its popular blogs and a dating and marriage section.

The site will provide free access to local, regional and national news relevant to the Asian community as it breaks.

New editor Shelina Begum, pictured right, said: "This is only the beginning. The website has already been transformed and the new look will have a significantly increased capacity for interaction.

"Asian News is already an important portal for readers' views and this community resource will be extended with a section devoted to voluntary groups, charities and sports clubs.

"They will be able to post their latest news on events and activities and make appeals for support - all for free.

"It will also contain a section devoted to companionship, dating and marriage prospects."

Asian News is the MEN Media group's first publication to go totally online. The website is already one of the most successful in the group with 200,000 hits a month from 41,000 unique visitors and rising.

Shelina, previously the newspaper's chief reporter, is one of the very few women of Bangladesh origin to achieve a key role in the UK media.

She speaks fluent Bangla and understands Urdu and Hindi.

She added: "I'm really excited about the prospect of editing a totally web-based Asian News. We hope hundreds of thousands of readers from the Asian community and beyond will join us in this exciting 21st century publishing initiative."

Visit the website at www.theasiannews.co.uk . Readers can also call Asian News on 01706 357086 or email asiannews@menwn.co.uk