Independent in tabloid version

The <i>Independent</i> is poised to start trials of a tabloid-sized version of the newspaper aimed at commuters.

The initial print run is believed to be 55,000 and will be distributed in the M25.

A spokesman for the Independent declined to comment on the trial.

The Independent, which has a circulation of 217,474, is printed by Trinity Mirrors national newspaper arm Mirror Colour Print.