Contenders in the running to be crowned the best regional newspaper campaign of the past year have been revealed.

A total of 37 candidates have been unveiled as part of Local Newspaper Week’s ‘Making a Difference’ campaign, which aims to highlight the good work undertaken by the local press in the UK.

The week begins on 11 May, when an online poll will allow members of the public to vote for their favourite campaign from the past 12 months.

The winner from the selection, which can be viewed here, will be announced at the Regional Press Awards on 15 May.

Campaigns in the running include a drive by the Manchester Evening News to raise funds for the Manchester Dogs’ Home, after a fire which killed 60 animals.

The campaign, front page pictured above, brought in more than £1m worth of donations less than 24 hours.

The Colchester Evening Gazette’s successful push to raise £100,000 to pay for a purpose-built playground for severely disabled children is also in the shortlist, as is Belfast daily Sunday Life’s investigation into the cruel practise of puppy farming in Northern Ireland.

The Derby Telegraph’s push to find 15,000 new organ donors, a successful bid by the Cambs Times to save playing fields and the Bath Chronicle’s campaign to raise awareness of meningitis and help a girl who lost her limbs to the disease also feature.

The announcement comes as actor Michael Sheen has given his backing to Local Newspaper Week.

Sheen, who has starred in films including The Queen and Frost/Nixon, has penned an article which will be available for regional newspapers to publish during the week.

As part of the article, he wrote: “Whether it is campaigning to keep a museum open, calling for more funds for the local hospital, or pushing for greater transparency in local government, local papers can make a real difference.”