The Queen has praised the vital community role of the regional press during her Jubilee and said its traditional work has never been more important.

She was speaking at The Newspaper Society's annual lunch at The Savoy in London in front of an invited audience of 400 regional newspaper publishers, editors and guests.

She told them: "It seems to me that people need a sense of community, a sense of belonging, now more than ever, and your newspapers help to meet that need.

"On my visits to different parts of the United Kingdom since my accession, it is the reporters and photographers from the regional press who turn out at all times and in all weathers to cover the story.

"For each visit has a purpose, whether it is to celebrate an important event or activity, to raise the profile of a specific cause or organisation, or to recognise achievement and success.

"These are more often than not local rather than national stories and the regional media, in recording these occasions, help to put into context the invaluable public and voluntary work being done day in and day out around the country."

Johnston Press chief executive Tim Bowdler, who is vice-president of the Newspaper Society, thanked the Queen for her comments and said: "We too believe that one of the greatest strengths of the regional press lies in binding together local communities, and giving people a sense of belonging. Despite the influences of globalisation, life in Britain remains an overwhelmingly local experience."

During the lunch, guests were shown a rolling display depicting regional press coverage of royal visits through the reign.

To read the full speech, click here.

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