The hyperlocal trade body has pledged to keep fighting for its members to be on a “level playing field” with established regional media.

The Independent Community News Network says it is “slowly achieving” such parity with what it terms “legacy publications” after publishing its annual report.

The ICNN now has 115 members across the country, with Swansea sports news website 7 Day Sport the latest to sign up.

In the ICNN report, director of community journalism Emma Meese said she “could not be prouder” of the work done by member publications over the past 12 months.

Emma, pictured, added: “With each publication that joins we nudge a small step closer to filling the democratic deficit left behind by decades of job cuts in mainstream media.

“As well as growing our network, we have been continuing to work with governments, unions and other organisations to increase knowledge and visibility of the independent community news sector.

“Our aim is to get smaller news publications on a level playing field with legacy publications, something we are proud to say we are slowly achieving. We still have a long way to go but must not let that detract us from how far we have come.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked with us towards achieving a brighter future for local journalism.”