A first UK implementation of WaPo's Arc Publishing technology means print journalists on two Midlands dailies can post directly to their website.

The sites for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star have been launched by MNA Digital, the online arm of publisher Midland News Association with the help of sister company Press Computer Systems.

Sites are fed directly from the PCS Knowledge content management system, which gives senior print reporters a direct route to publish online, bringing digital and print teams closer together.

MNA head of digital editorial content Mike Woods says relaunching the websites at the same time as overhauling newsroom workflow has been a "huge undertaking" but takes a more digital-first approach to publishing. "The Washington Post's software allows us to have far greater editorial control over the look and feel of our websites than was previously possible, and we're delighted with the end result."

Website designs, which have a more open look, were created with award-winning London agency Cyber-Duck to brief set by MNA, and follow public testing. Designs make navigation easier and are more mobile friendly.

Arc Publishing sales and product lead Matthew Monahan says the Post-developed technology is built for publishers focused on digital expansion, and who want the flexibility to tell rich, engaging stories online: "The MNA's new sites can leverage the same sophisticated content distribution, personalisation and testing products that the Washington Post uses in its own newsroom, as well as future upgrades to the suite."

The Wolverhampton-based MNA Digital team will now roll out the upgrade to sister the Jersey Evening Post and the Guernsey Press, which like PCS, are sister companies within the Claverley group.

Pictured: Andy Hill (centre) with MNA Digital colleagues (from left) Will Beavis and Mike Woods, plus the Washington Post's Matt Nelson and Ian Baker