A new post of investigations reporter has been created at the Huddersfield Daily Examiner in response to reader demand.

They told managers in a market research exercise that they wanted to see more hard-edged, campaigning journalism.

Richard Porritt, (24), won the new title and will devote himself to seeking out the in-depth stories that matter.

Editor Roy Wright said: “Richard has made an enormous impression since joining us as a trainee and he’s played a major role in breaking some of our biggest stories this year.”

Recent investigations include testing non-smoking pubgoers for the chemical cotinine and carbon monoxide levels after a night in well-ventilated pubs.

He found shockingly high levels of deadly chemicals on volunteers’ breath and saliva. Richard also uncovered the massive cost of heroin substitute methadone – and his report led to one local drug expert calling for actual heroin to be handed out to users instead.

Richard, (pictured), said: “I want to take a much closer look at the issues that are really important to our readers, and use the new Freedom of Information Act to discover things some authorities might not want us to know.

“It is important that local newspapers like the Examiner have the guts to hold people, companies and authorities to account.

“I intend to do just that by asking the questions the man on the street wants answered.”