Asian News, the free monthly newspaper paper published by MEN Media, has axed its print version. The newspaper will be available solely online at theAsianNews.co.uk and has appointed a young new editor.

Shelina Begum, 27, the previous chief reporter, replaces Steve Hammond.

The newspaper, distributed in the Greater Manchester and east Lancashire area, terminated its print publication at the end of July.

Begum, originally from Bangladesh, started her career at MEN Media eight years ago. She covered the Oldham riots and travelled to Pakistan for the earthquake, filming a documentary for MEN Media's digital Manchester station Channel M.

The re-designed Asian News Web site will be launched next week, and BZegum intends to increase traffic to 1 million hits a month, Media Guardian reported.

MEN Media is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian Media Group.

The Asia News had a print circulation of 22,000 per month. Its Web site receives over 200,000 hits a month and about 41,000 visitors.