Local press publishers are being urged to get their applications in for the right to send reporters and photographers to cover the 2012 London Olympics.

Although the Games are still nearly two years away, the final deadline for media accreditation is 15 October this year.

The Newspaper Society is today urging local media organisations to get their applications in to the British Olympic Association as early as possible.

Applications can be made by logging on to the BOA website and downloading the accreditation form which can then be filled-in and emailed back to the BOA.

The NS has been in regular contact with the Games’ organising committee to stress the importance of regional press coverage of the event.

“Local media are uniquely placed to contribute to the success of the Games by virtue of the special relationship between local media, their local communities and the ‘local heroes’ who may be taking part as athletes in 2012 – many of whom have been championed and supported by their local newspapers since early in their careers,” it said.

The Society says it is vital that the organisers “take full account of the particular role and needs of the local and regional press both in terms of those applying for full accreditation and in respect of non-accredited journalists, including as regards access to local venues and facilities to follow and report on particular athletes’ progress.”

Philip Kirkbride, sports reporter for the Liverpool Echo, Daily Post and Trinity Mirror Merseyside titles, commented: “We have such a wide range of talent in Liverpool and Merseyside that I would like to think we would be able to send some people to cover the London Olympics.”