The Newspaper Society is calling on editors to use their influence to help shape a new culture of openness under the Freedom of Information Act.

The organisation is still disappointed that the law fell short of the “radical measure” it believes the public deserves.

But now it was up to the press to explore ways to use the act to open up public bodies and local authorities to greater scrutiny.

Head of legal and regulatory affairs, Santha Rasaiah, said: “As the Act comes into effect, the regional press will be the natural medium for publicising and explaining to their readers their new rights.

“Above all, editors and journalists must themselves use and test the Act.

“Commendation of good practice and challenge of unnecessary secrecy by the local media could be a highly effective way of changing the culture of official secrecy.”