A child protection expert is backing the regional press explaining how campaigns in the local media can help stamp out child abuse.

Dame Mary Marsh, director and chief executive of the NSPCC has written an article for Local Newspaper Week, which begins on May 5.

She describes child abuse as “very much a local issue” which local press helps to combat through awareness raising.

Her article also gives examples of successful NSPCC campaigns featured in local and regional newspapers, describing supportive newspapers and readers as “children’s champions”.

Local Newspaper Week has a theme this year of Campaigning for Your Community.

Her article is being made available to regional newspapers to use during the celebration of the strengths of local media.

Dame Mary joins Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a contributor for Local Newspaper Week which is organised by the Newspaper Society.