The trade body for the regional and national press has announced a 9pc increase in the number of press cards it issued last year.

The News Media Association has revealed it gave out more than 1,400 press cards in 2022.

The cards are formally recognised by all police forces in the UK, by the Ministry of Justice, the Royal Households and by other public bodies.

The cost of a press card is £25 for those working for NMA members and £45 for those working for national and regional news media who are non-members.

The NMA issues press cards as part of its media facilities service for member publishers which also includes the Royal Rota scheme.

The scheme enables national and regional titles to access pooled pictures from high profile royal and political events across the UK.

Applications for a press card can be be made via Laura Skerrett at [email protected].