Today sees the start of Local Newspaper Week, celebrating the important work done by the local and regional press throughout the country.

Now in its fifth year, the week is organised by the Newspaper Society and incorporates the Prince's Trust Local Reporting Awards.

Last year a record number of regional newspapers took part.

Newspaper Society director David Newell said: "I was delighted by the response to Local Newspaper Week. This is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the vital work of our members and they rose to the occasion with a fantastic array of articles, competitions and activities.

"This year with the local focus of the Golden Jubilee the importance of communities and the role played by regional newspapers is particularly emphasised.

"I hope that we can use this to create another successful Local Newspaper Week."

During the week, regional newspapers around the country will be marking the event in various ways, such as giving their readers a behind the secenes look at newspaper production and reviewing their successes for the year.

The Prince's Trust Local Reporting Awards, designed to encourage positive reporting and focus on inspiring stories about young people, will also be running.

Anyone between the ages of 14-30 can enter articles that are published in a regional newspaper during the week.

Last year's winner was Nottingham Evening Post journalist Ian Drury with an article about a campaign for youth facilities on a council estate in Nottingham.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk