A North West charity newspaper aimed at people affected by disability and ill health claims it has almost doubled its distribution in just a few months.

Since the summer Liverpool based All Together Now! has seen a massive increase in its bi-monthly distribution from 60,000 to 100,000.

The newspaper has also received backing from former Labour minister Jane Kennedy, left, who has joined the award-winning newspaper’s board of trustees.

Mrs Kennedy was Minister of State for health between 2005-2007 and works and pensions minister from 2004 to 2005.

The newspaper’s founder and editor Tom Dowling said: “This is a fantastic boost. Having Jane on board will really help us to take the charity forward.

“Jane was a hugely respected politician, and is someone who is passionate about addressing inequalities. She understands exactly why we set up the newspaper.

“We’re now seeing thousands of papers flying out of supermarkets across the North West every week.

“All we need now are a few more sponsors to help us to get even more papers out and about.”

Mrs Kennedy said she had been a great admirer of the charity since it was set up in 2004 and was looking forward to working with the team.

She said: “All Together Now! is a terrific free newspaper that is providing an excellent news service for the huge numbers of people affected by disability and ill-health in a very positive and upbeat way.

“The paper addresses inequalities, and by raising awareness about wide-ranging disabilities and health issues it is helping to break down so many social barriers.”