Three new jobs have been created as a regional daily aims to keep a “permanent focus” on the cost-of-living crisis.

The Manchester Evening News is recruiting three reporters specifically to cover the issue and will be tasked with writing about everything from money-saving hacks, deals and consumer advice to real life situations, expert insights and policies.

It is hoped they will offer “real world” stories and help for readers and will also be charged with interpreting data and making financial jargon relatable.

The creation of the new roles comes after the MEN’s Reach plc sister website Lancs Live became the first regional title in the country to appoint a permanent cost-of-living reporter in March.

MEN senior editor Sarah Lester, pictured, said: “As always we want to do everything we can to help our readers when times are tough by giving them useful and helpful information.

“It’s also critical that we draw attention to what people are experiencing by telling their stories as they struggle to find money for the basics.

“We saw the pandemic hit our region harder than any other and sadly the same is true of the cost of living crisis.”

Reach’s head of Live brands Paul Rowland added: “We constantly see the impact that the cost of living crisis is having on our readers and their communities, and it’s crucial that this is reflected in our journalism – whether it’s advice on making your money go further, or shining a light on the families bearing the brunt of the spiralling cost of goods and services.

“These new roles will help ensure we have a permanent focus on this crucial issue.”