The role of local newspapers and the influence they can have on environmental issues has been highlighted by Prince Charles at the start of Local Newspaper Week.

Hundreds of newspapers around the UK have begun marking the event which celebrates industry achievements, and as part of that Prince Charles penned a special article to tie in with its green theme.

He said that while national newspapers may have the resources to deploy journalists to international conferences and monitor high-level debates that shape national policy on the environment, it was local newspapers which could help individuals to realise what meaningful part they could play.

He said: "Local newspapers are at the very heart of the communities they serve and play an extraordinarily important role in shaping local agendas and priorities.

"It seems to me that more and more people are now recognising the severity of the threat posed by climate change. And they are prepared to do their bit to help in the way they live their own lives.

"But that's where the problems and questions start. What, exactly, can each of us do in our lives to reduce our contribution to climate change?

"What can we recycle, and where? What does a low-energy light bulb look like? Will it cost more to buy 'green energy'?

"These are exactly the sort of issues that local newspapers can and do cover in detail, for the benefit of their readers, their advertisers and the society of which we are all a part.

"Local newspapers can help us all to realise what it is we can do."

Local Newspaper Week began yesterday and runs until May 13.

During the week local newspapers are expected to organise community events with an environmental theme, or publish articles encouraging readers to do their bit.

They will also highlight the importance of the industry and their own successes of the past year.

Organised by the Newspaper Society, Local Newspaper Week 2007 is sponsored by the National Lottery.

A press pack is available online at www.localnewspaperweek.co.uk