A shocking sea rescue accident exclusively reported by a Lancashire weekly a fortnight ago is making headlines around the world.

The Ormskirk Champion first revealed the horrific case of a British woman taken ill on a cruise ship who was dropped into the sea during an attempted rescue mission.

The story led its 6 April edition and was followed up on 13 April but has only now been picked up by the nationals

This morning’s Sun led with the story of the incident which has also now been followed up by the Mail, Guardian, and BBC News among others.

The Champion originally landed the scoop thanks to a local couple who had taken pictures of the rescue attempt, which took place as the liner was cruising along the coast of Norway.

Grandmother Janet Richardson, from Cumbria, was dropped into the sea while being carried off the ship on a stretcher by paramedics.

It is believed that the 73-year-old was submerged in sub zero temperatures for several minutes before she was rescued.

She was being treated at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary, but died on Thursday night.

Champion group editor Malcolm Hindle, said: “For all the talk about the demise of local papers, which we don’t go along with at all here at The Champion, this story shows just how powerful local newspapers can be.

“The Champion ran the ‘cruise ship granny rescue’ scoop three weeks ago and the nationals, TV and radio, and publications across the globe, have trailed in our wake.

“Let it never be said that local newspapers and, indeed, free quality local newspapers, can’t produce sensational front pages like this. A case of… where The Champion leads, others follow.”