Five regional daily newspapers have been dubbed “trailblazers” by Prime Minister Tony Blair for their work in encouraging volunteers to take part in community activities.

He singled out the Plymouth Evening Herald, the Leicester Mercury, the Newcastle Journal, the Manchester Evening News and the Nottingham Evening Post for praise and said their examples showed be followed by other local newspapers.

Mr Blair was speaking to people who work in the voluntary sector at a conference in Wembley.

The event was organised by the Active Community Initiative to mark the Government’s commitment to encouraging people to give more of their time to charitable causes.

The Prime Minister said the media had a key part to play.

He continued: “I want every local newspaper, every radio station, every magazine to think what it could do – whether that means providing a community page, listing opportunities, or using the airwaves to encourage people to get involved.”

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or e-mail us now