A regional daily is among more than 20 publications to have signed up for a new arbitration scheme for legal claims against the press.

The Liverpool Echo has singed up to the year-long trial, which has been launched by the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

IPSO hopes the voluntary scheme will provide a “cost-effective, straightforward and quick” method of solving legal disputes between claimants and participating members of the press.

The kind of claims that could potentially be resolved are those relating to libel, slander, misuse of private information, breach of confidence, malicious falsehood, harassment and data protection.

Where appropriate, arbitrators will be able to require the provision of remedies and/or require the payment of costs by one party to the other.

Several national newspapers and the Press association have also signed up to the pilot.

IPSO chairman Sir Alan Moses, pictured, said: “Arbitration is not just about reducing costs and delays associated with litigation, it is about widening access to justice for members of the public.

“They need a means whereby they can vindicate their legal rights without going to court.

“At the core of IPSO’s work is our support for claimants who feel wronged by the press and this pilot is part of this provision. We look forward to working with CEDR in delivering this important service.”