PM David Cameron has added his support to the work of local newspapers.

He said: “I know times have been tough for local papers. The great recession hit sales and advertising hard.

Fewer staff are being asked to produce more and more. And new technology demands that news is gathered faster and published quicker, all at a time when online competition is increasing.

“But reporters, editors, sub-editors and photographers have risen to the challenge. And there are two reasons I think it is important we recognise that.

First, local newspapers hold public authorities to account. They are crucial to our democracy. Second, local papers continually fight for their communities, agitating for change, and, very often, succeeding. With their commitment to campaign-ing on local issues local newspapers aren’t just breaking the news, they’re making it.”