It’s the little local victories that make the greatest difference in the long run.

Today we report how campaigners are celebrating after winning their battle for a pelican crossing to be installed near a school in Netley (page 16).

The victory will not make great waves, but in the community affected by the new crossing the campaign will mean the world.

In many ways the victory of the good folk in Abbeyfields Close mirrors the role played week in, week out by this newspaper and so many others the length and breadth of the country.

And in this Local Newspaper Week, it is a fitting example of how we can help those who have only a small voice to ensure it is heard.

We do not claim to have won the battle for the residents of Netley. Their efforts succeeded. But we are here to ensure that this campaign victory makes headlines and others are given heart in their battles to create a better local life.

In this Local Newspaper Week papers up and down the UK are unashamedly blowing their own trumpets to remind residents of the important role we play in community life.

We like to think that this is understood by our readers. But it does not harm to make a song and dance every now and again.

Certainly the residents of Netley have earned the right to celebrate in style.