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More than half a million new readers are getting their news from the regional and local press.

The latest Audit Bureau Circulation figures show the increase on this time last year.

Winners and losers in the figures, which cover morning, evening, weekly and free sheets, are being put down the growing importance of local life, and to fragmentation of the market – with more than 90 per cent of regional titles also available online.

Newspaper groups are having to expand into new ventures and channels, to attract new readers and users.

Newspaper Society marketing director Chris Stanley said: “Individual titles, stations and channels are inevitably delivering smaller audiences.

“However, regional publishers overall are reaching larger audiences, spread over an increasing range of products.

“Local newspapers are at the heart of communities across the UK – uniting young and old, business and customer, politician and voter. No other media can match this relationship.

“With an unrivalled heritage and identity, the local press is found to be the most trustworthy, enjoyable, independent and helpful of all media.”

Figures summary on the next page…