Regional papers across the country made their own headlines – when they grabbed the chance of a little positive publicity during Local Newspaper Week.

From the largest daily to the smallest free weekly, staff made the most of their opportunity to turn the spotlight on their work, and give readers some insight into what life is like on the “local rag”.

Everyone from editors and advertising managers to newspaper boys found a part to play in the annual event, which is run by the Newspaper Society.

Hundreds of regional newspapers took part, producing special features, launching events, and running competitions and reader offers to tie in with this year’s Closer to Home theme.

In the north east, the Newcastle Evening Chronicle asked reporter Jennifer Bradbury to take a close look at the way the paper has improved the lives of its readers over the past year.

Her trawl through the files revealed 49 stories large and small; from the papers own Sunshine Fund, to their award-winning Justice For Rebecca Campaign, to reader’s letters.

The Derbyshire Times hit the same note by celebrating its role within the community.

Editor Mike Wilson highlighted the Times’ top stories while offering readers the chance to become a photographer for the day and enter the Chesterfield in Bloom competition, sponsored by the weekly paper.

Meanwhile staff at The Liverpool Echo prepared to meet their new boss when, according to staffer Andrew Edwards, they welcomed junior school supply teacher Michelle Greer.

Michelle sat in the hot seat after winning a competition to be the north west newspaper’s editor for the day.

Throughout the week the paper also organised tours of the offices, while reporters from Radio Merseyside dropped in to interview staff about the role the paper plays in the community.

At the York Evening Press, the hunt was on to find the area’s top newspaper seller with an appeal to readers for nominations.

The People’s Choice, chosen by a panel of judges, will win the chance to take a two-night weekend break for two in a UK city.

Jen Horsely, Evening Press promotions and publicity manager, said the competition offered readers the chance to say thank you to their news outlets.

London-based News Shopper editor Andrew Parkes faced the press – in the shape of pupils from Rymarsh Primary School.

Andrew spoke to the whole school during one morning assembly – before welcoming a group of 28 children to the papers offices.

There he explained to the youngsters, who are learning about different forms of media, all about the work that goes into producing 350,000 copies of London’s oldest free weekly.

Meanwhile eight-year-old Jessica Law stepped into the shoes of a News & Star reporter when she joined staff in its Carlisle office.

Jessica, who was offered the job after writing a letter to the paper, visited an animal refuge and wrote about her own experiences of the floods, which devastated much of the city earlier this year.

The day left the paper with at least one convert as the budding hack told reporter Elizabeth Kay: “I’ve enjoyed it very much. I think I prefer to be here than at school.”