Regional journalists are being urged to back a week-long campaign highlighting the importance of local news.

The National Union of Journalists has launched its Local News Matters campaign, which aims to promote quality regional journalism.

Journalists are being asked to promote the campaign on social media, while NUJ members are also being encouraged to hold a union meeting during this week to discuss issues that affect them.

Other suggestions made by the NUJ include asking members to photograph themselves and colleagues with the campaign logo, pictured, and asking local celebrities, politicians, sports people and community groups to endorse the event.

Local News Matters week runs until Saturday 14 March.

In a statement, the NUJ said: “The union is asking all reps, activists and members to get involved and say why local news matters.

“The focus is on highlighting the importance of local quality journalism and how it makes a difference – whether it’s reporting on floods or courts, covering significant local events and issues – journalists on the ground are doing brilliant work and are essential – that’s the union’s message for the week.”