As loyal readers of The Illawarra Mercury, you told us you wanted a news app. You wanted a better mobile reading experience. A live news feed. A better digital version of Today's Paper.

We listened. And after more than six months of development and testing we are delighted to be launching our brand new app with all these features, and more.

The Illawarra Mercury news app is now officially live on both iOS and Android devices. It is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play.

In line with your feedback, the app also provides readers with faster-loading articles and live feeds for your favourite content sections.

To make the user experience even better, the app allows for offline reading, which means you can download the headlines or Today's Paper at home and then read them wherever you are, whether that is on your morning commute, at the coffee shop or while you are enjoying some downtime at the beach.

An improved puzzles section now includes a medium and hard sudoku, a codeword, a splitword, a cryptic crossword and a regular crossword. Jigsaws are coming soon too. For readers who enjoy playing our existing selection of online puzzles, these will still be available to access on our website using mobile or desktop devices.

Illawarra Mercury acting editor Lisa Wachsmuth said today's app launch would deliver even better value for subscribers.

"I think our readers will really enjoy being able to access their daily news with this clean, convenient and comprehensive new app," she said.

"It allows you to get the latest local, national or world news, wherever you are. Plus there's sports updates, property news, podcasts, puzzles and more.

"This is something our readers have been asking for for some time and we're thrilled we're finally able to deliver that. We hope you enjoy the new app, and we're also keen to get your feedback."

The Illawarra Mercury app is available to our digital subscribers only. New subscribers can sign up in the app or direct on our website.

We will be monitoring reader feedback during the coming weeks and months and will continue to listen to feedback from our readers.

Please email feedback@illawarramercury.com.au with any thoughts or suggestions. Of course, if you love the new app please give us a five-star rating in the App Store and let your friends know about it.

Thanks for reading The Illawarra Mercury. We love our new app, and we think you will too.

Download the app now on your iOS device or on your Android device.