A hyperlocal news network has revealed fresh plans to recruit more journalists and expand its presence to more than 100 towns this year.

Nub News, which now operates in 62 towns across the UK, has revealed the expansion plans for 2021 after a similar drive last year.

The announcement comes after Media Minister John Whittingdale praised the network for its continued growth.

Nub News founder and chief executive Karl Hancock, pictured, said the company aimed to “focus on the community first and listen to what they want”.

The roles are currently being advertised on HTFP here.

He said: “The country is moving back to a more town-centric approach where people care more about their towns and communities. The Covid crisis has accelerated this trend.

“Whether you are a local business owner, sports club volunteer, photographer, town councillor or just a community-minded resident, we are here to represent you and want to hear from you.

Discussing this year’s plans, Karl said: “Nub News will enrich and strengthen its role as a record of daily life in our towns, getting to the heart of community issues, frustrations, hopes and joys.

“A virtuous circle of opportunity has arisen from the demise of the regional press, the lockdown focus on communities and the migration of corporate marketing away from traditional commercial models towards sponsorship.

“The evidence points to more engagement with the communities in which they operate. With that, we are hiring journalists and growing. Currently in 62 towns, we’d like to be in more than 100 over the next year.”

“I see a bright future for the provision of local news in this country.”

Mr Whittingdale, the Minister of State for Media and Data, previously praised the publisher after it launched a site in his constituency of Maldon, Essex, last year.

He said: “I am delighted by the success of Nub News which proves there is still a strong demand for professionally produced local news content.

“In my own constituency of Maldon, Nub is now embedded in the local community and is already doing a great job providing a fast and reliable source of local news.”