Colchester’s Lib Dem MP Bob Russell has organised a parliamentary petition in praise of local newspapers.

And his own local paper – The Braintree and Witham Times – picked up the story to run itself during Local Newspaper Week this week.

Seventeen MPs have signed up in support. They hope the “essential contribution” of the local press will continue to help the vitality of their local communities.

His Early Day Motion explained how the House of Commons valued the role of local newspapers.

It read: “…this House values the important role performed by local newspapers; agrees with The Newspaper Society that local newspapers are the most trusted source of local news and advertising; welcomes the Society’s 10th annual Local Newspaper Week, which is being held between 5 and 11 May.

“[It] …acknowledges that local newspapers are right at the heart of Britain’s local communities and have a vital role in assisting the democratic process through coverage of local events and by campaigns on important local issues and looks forward to local newspapers continuing to make an essential contribution to the vitality of local communities.”