THIS is Local Newspaper Week (15-21 May), which celebrates the role of trusted local newspapers in their communities and, through Making a Difference, their unique ability to campaign for real change which improves people’s lives.

Run by Local Media Works, the local marketing arm of the News Media Association, the annual LNW sees hundreds of local newspapers across the UK join forces to shout about the industry’s unique strengths.

To celebrate local newspapers’ campaigning successes, 28 powerful campaigns from across the UK over the past year have been shortlisted for the Making a Difference award which will be decided by an online public vote.

The vote will stay open until 5pm on Wednesday and the winner will be announced at the Society of Editors Regional Press Awards on Friday.

Political leaders Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron have all lent their support to LNW to celebrate the industry’s essential democratic role in the lead up to the general election on 8 June.

The leaders will note that through local newspapers, which are read in print and digital by about 40 million people each week, readers are able to access trustworthy information and make well-informed decisions.

This year, LNW follows directly on from the local media industry’s Fighting Fake News campaign which saw hundreds of local press titles join forces to highlight how local papers fight fake news through their investment in highly trusted local media journalism.

The campaign highlighted how local news brands, in print and online, offers readers and advertisers a highly-trusted environment free from the risks associated with other platforms.