Titles across community media company Archant have helped raise more than £600,000 for charity in the past year – as well as giving editorial support to hundreds of other local charities.

Charity campaigns such as the EDP’s We Care appeal, the Ilford Recorder’s Lifeline appeal, the Ipswich Evening Star’s Somebody’s Daughter campaign and the Weston & Somerset Mercury’s Mendip Challenge have seen both staff and readers dig deep for worthwhile causes.

Aside from fundraising, the newspapers also provide causes with a mouthpiece to get their message across to readers.

At Archant London, the Ham&High has introduced a regular feature highlighting the lengths readers will go to in their efforts to raise money for what they believe in.

Editor Geoff Martin said: “Space in our newspapers is always at a premium and the donation of column inches on a regular basis is probably the most important thing we can do for charities.

“It provides an essential way of communicating with the public, raising awareness in a way that would cost millions to do through promotional and advertising campaigns.”

Fundraising highlights include: