A hyperlocal network has won ministerial praise after launching three news websites – creating as many jobs in the process.

John Whittingdale, Minister of State for Media and Data, has applauded Nub News after it launched a new site in his constituency of Maldon, Essex.

At the same time, Nub News has also launched titles covering Hitchin and Kenilworth, to be edited by former Archant journalist Layth Yousif and history graduate James Smith respectively.

The Maldon site will be edited by Paula Spenceley, a journalist of 23 years who has also taught on NCTJ courses at Harlow College.

Paula, pictured, said: “I have an absolute passion for local newspapers and everything they bring to communities.

“I believe that Nub News is going to restore real local journalism to towns across the country and I feel proud and privileged to be part of this work.”

Layth has written and worked for a large number of local, regional and national newspapers since leaving a career in the City of London a decade ago to follow his “lifelong passion” of journalism.

He is familiar with his new Hitchin patch having previously worked for the Archant-owned Comet newspaper which covers the Hertfordshire market town.

Speaking to Nub News, Mr Whittingdale said: “Nub News, which employs professional journalists and where people can know that facts and stories are properly checked, is fulfilling an extremely important function.

“Local journalism has a crucial role in informing people about- and scrutinising- the work of councils, CGGs, the police and other local bodies- and where things go wrong, asking questions.”

The latest launches take the number of towns now being covered by the network to 45, with Nub News still recruiting via HTFP here.

Chief executive Karl Hancock said: “Since launch in January last year we have grown quickly.    Our aim to become the largest online local news brand in the UK and we remain on track for that.

“What really excites me is the quality of candidates now applying for jobs with Nub News.

“We have seen a significant increase in the number of journalists looking to work for us.”