LOCAL newspapers are taken for granted by many readers – but they should be revered, particularly as sadly many are under threat and many others have gone.

This is Local Newspaper Week and it is important to highlight the fantastic role that these publications play in community life.

It is increasingly difficult for them, with reduced staffing levels and having to fence with highly paid press officers employed by councils, emergency services and hospital trusts to put a favourable gloss on everything.

And with local authorities using a cabinet system, the so-called transparency they preach can be anything but.

However, determined journalists always seek after the truth on behalf of the communities they serve and that should never be forgotten.

Paul Nuttall North West MEP and deputy party leader