Regional press titles are being offered free trials of a new product for carrying out reader polls.

Customer survey specialist JudgeService has launched YourPoll, to give an accurate picture of public opinion on a selected subject.

YourPoll has already been used by Harrogate news website The Stray Ferret to carry out a survey of its readership about the state of the town centre, generating 1,500 responses.

JudgeService’s team works with editors to draw up the questions, then host the survey on their site and deliver the results once the poll is complete.

Tamsin O’Brien, editor of the Stray Ferret, said: “This was the first survey we had conducted and the JudgeService team were excellent, providing guidance technically and editorially throughout the process.

“There is a high standard of professionalism – they ensure their work is peer reviewed.

“The team were good with deadlines and responsive to any issues that arose. I would highly recommend YourPoll to conduct a similar survey for another publication.”

The service has been developed in Harrogate, but is available for use around the UK.

JudgeService MD Neil Addley, pictured, said: “The first trial of YourPoll was a huge success and we’re now looking for more media partners to join and carry out new surveys of their audiences.

“As well as reflecting public views on a particular topic and providing some interesting stories, carrying out the survey can give newspapers a valuable insight into how their readers feel.

“Being able to connect with them on issues that are close to their hearts is absolutely vital to their future success.”

For more information, call JudgeService on 01423 225166.