A newswire service set up to help people and community groups get their stories into the national and regional press is set to close as a result of government cutbacks.

The Community Newswire is run by the Media Trust in partnership with the Press Association and funded by the Cabinet Office.

It enables people and community groups to submit stories and press releases online which are then written up by PA journalists and send to hundreds of newsrooms throughout the country.

However the Trust has confirmed that the free-to-use service will close unless alternative sources of funding can be found.

Chief executive Caroline Diehl told HTFP: “As a result of the government spending review, we are seeking new funding for some Media Trust services, including Community Newswire.

“We hope to be able to confirm additional funding for Community Newswire by the end of March, but if not, the service will close.”

The newswire carries up to ten stories a day sent in by individuals, public relations firms and community groups.

Its website also contains advice on what makes news, finding the right news angle and what to include in a press release.