THE leader of Northumberland County Council has spoken out in support of a campaign which highlights the importance of journalism in society.

Coun. Peter Jackson said local newspapers were "essential" when keeping residents informed and backed Journalism Matters week.

The campaign, which began on May 13 and will run until Sunday, is led by the News Media Association – an organisation which represents the voice of national, regional and local news brands.

It replaces Local Newspaper Week and is a platform for news media titles across the industry to remind readers and local residents about the importance of trusted journalism in our democratic society.

Conservative leader, Coun. Jackson, said: "Local newspapers play a vital role in keeping communities informed about the work we at the county council do on a day-to-day basis as well as our long-term projects and future plans, such as our huge investments in Hexham and Haydon Bridge Schools.

"In Northumberland there is still a strong presence of local newspapers and we know many residents rely on these publications as a key source of information.

"For me they are essential for keeping residents informed about all kinds of local issues.

"We hope local newspapers continue to have a strong future ahead of them."

His message of support came after newly-elected North of Tyne Mayor, Jamie Driscoll, Hexham's MP Guy Opperman, Rector of Hexham, Canon Dagmar Winter and the chief executive of Northumberland National Park Authority, Tony Gates, all endorsed the initiative.

Chairman of the News Media Association, David Dinsmore, said: "This year, the industry has come together to launch Journalism Matters – a new campaign designed to highlight the importance of journalism to our democratic society.

"I hope this initiative will trigger a much-needed reset in the way journalists and journalism are viewed."