The new subscription package, announced in August includes around-the-clock access to all of the local news, sport and opinion published online by The Maitland Mercury, 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 for a subscription at maitlandmercury.com.au from Tuesday.

The first 30 days of website access is free for subscribers, who can choose to pay monthly or take out an annual subscription with 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 tablet or desktop.

There’s also the option to receive regular news updates, including breaking-news alerts, by email.

“Just as our newspaper has a cover price, we’re now asking online audiences to support us as subscribers so The Maitland Mercury can continue providing the quality local journalism they trust to keep our community informed, entertained and connected,” editor Rick Allen said

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

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 in Maitland.

Visit maitlandmercury.com.au on Tuesday to subscribe.