Two more daily papers have launched recession-busting campaigns designed to help local people and businesses survive the downturn.

The Worcester News launched its Buy Local, Buy Here campaign on a similar model to Newsquest sister title the Southern Daily Echo

It aims to encourage readers to spend their money in local independent shops, restaurants, pubs, farm shops and markets.

Shops are displaying special ‘Buy Local, Buy Here’ posters in their windows and the News is giving away 5,000 bags for life featuring the campaign logo.

Readers are also being asked to recommend their favourite local independent outlet and these will form the basis of a Buy Local Directory to be published in print and online.

The campaign will build to a finale on Saturday 4 July – “independent’s day” when readers will be encouraged to flock to independent local traders.

Editor Kevin Ward said: “Independent traders are suffering the most during the economic downturn but they are the lifeblood of our communities and we need to do all we can to support and protect them.

“I know newspapers up and down the country are running similar campaigns and we have taken some of the best ideas and adapted them for our own market.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle daily the Evening Chronicle has launched a ‘Chronicle Crunchbuster’ campaign offering money off vouchers at supermarkets and shops as well as tips and advice for shoppers.

It has been praised by local business leaders and politicians including the City Council leader, Coun John Shipley and foreign secretary and South Shields MP David Miliband.

See a round-up of local press recession-busting campaigns here.