Two of the biggest publishers in the regional press have agreed to trial the new free video service from the Press Association.

Trinity Mirror Regionals and MEN Media will now receive news footage as part of a free six-month trial, launched earlier this month.

The video wire service provides file-based footage of the day's main stories for broadcasters, online newspapers and digital customers, ready for them to edit into their own packages.

It includes up to 30 stories a day across news, sport and entertainment.

Richard Ayers, web publishing director at Trinity Mirror Regionals, said: "The Press Association's video wire looks like it could be a valuable service for the TMR online offering.

"We're looking forward to seeing the results of the trial integration into our thriving cross-platform output.

"These are exciting and challenging times for local and regional media services and we welcome new initiatives like this."

Manchester Evening News editor Paul Horrocks added: "We are a multimedia business so this video wire fits perfectly into our daily requirements.

"It enables us to access a wide range of material which enriches our websites."

PA says it is working with Guardian Media Group and other partners on establishing a regional TV news pilot in the north of England to trial the concept of Ofcom's proposed independently funded consortia.

The company is also in talks about regional video news gathering with other potential consortia members across the country.

Newspaper Society director David Newell said: "The Press Association video news wire service will assist regional newspapers across the UK in continuing to strengthen and develop their digital proposition.

"Making video reports is now commonplace for many journalists and this service will be a welcome additional resource."

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