UKIP leader Paul Nuttall has urged local journalists to engage with his party’s candidates ahead of the General Election.

Mr Nuttall praised the regional press in a speech to the Newspaper Conference, the organisation which represents regional lobby journalists in Westminster.

The UKIP leader was quizzed by political editors and lobby correspondents representing titles including the Birmingham Mail and The Scotsman.

Speaking at the event, Mr Nuttall praised local papers, saying that they were “very highly trusted”, and urging them to “engage” with UKIP candidates.

He added: “I know that you provide vital information for local people whether that’s big local newspapers like the Birmingham Mail, but even right down to the local bugles as well.

“I think you guys do a fantastic job and you’re not only good for your local communities but you’re good for democracy as well, and I salute the work that you do.”

It was the first Newspaper Conference event to be chaired by the Yorkshire Post’s Kate Langston who was recently elected chair at its annual general meeting.