Applications are now being welcomed for a share of a £60,000 fund aimed at helping independent news publishers through the coronavirus crisis.

The Public Interest News Foundation is calling on interested parties to come forward and apply for a share of the cash, which will be split among 20 UK titles.

Research conducted by PINF revealed in March found 75pc of such titles feared COVID-19 may result in them being closed either temporarily or permanently.

Financial backing for the initiative comes from the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, while a selection panel of experts from across the industry, chaired by Cairncross Review author Dame Frances Cairncross, will decide upon the recipients.

An open information video conference for prospective applicants will be held at 2pm today, and interested parties can register here.

The initiative has been welcomed by hyperlocal publishers’ trade body the Independent Community News Network.

All grants will be of a maximum of £3,000, and applications will close on 2 June at 11am.

More information can be found here.

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