A regional daily which successfully campaigned for a £500m electrification scheme had been praised by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Two years ago the Derby Telegraph launched its Electrify Our Line campaign to upgrade the Midland Main Line between the city and London.

Last month the government announced the project would be included as part of a £1.6bn package of rail infrastructure improvements.

Speaking this week, Mr Cameron described the paper’s initiative as a “superb example of a grassroots community campaign”.

Mr Cameron pictured with a copy of the Telegraph on an earlier visit to the city

Mr Cameron said the electrification of the Midland Main Line would be another boost to Derby’s rail industry, following the news in February that city train-maker Bombardier had been awarded the £1bn Crossrail contract.

He said: “The Electrify Our Line initiative was a superb example of a grassroots community campaign, as I learned during my visit to the Derby Telegraph.

“This £1.6 billion package from Network Rail will see enormous opportunities created for Derby as part of the government’s long term economic plan.

“This really is the icing on the cake following Bombardier’s Crossrail contract success and the Derby Telegraph and its readers should be very proud of their campaign.”

It was revealed on 31 March hat the  stretch of line between Bedford and Sheffield – which passes through Derby – would be included in spending plans for 2014 to 2019 after previously missing out on the investment.

It will reduce journey times between Derby and London by at least nine minutes. Electric trains are due to begin operating via Derby by the end of 2019.

Telegraph editor Neil White said: “We constantly strive to continue the strong tradition of the Derby Telegraph in campaigning for our community.”

“We are pleased that, on this occasion, the Prime Minister has chosen to praise our efforts but, much more importantly, we are delighted that our work has benefited our readers.”