WE are joining forces with regional newspapers across the UK to launch a campaign to fight fake news.

As we approach arguably the most significant General Election in a generation, the need to report and explain local issues in a neutral, honest and balanced way is essential.

Throughout the Fighting Fake News campaign we will be asking readers and advertisers to show their support and to get involved by learning more about local journalism.

Over the coming weeks we will be showcasing what our reporters do, giving readers the opportunity to ask questions about how we go about our jobs and talking to leading members of the community about why they value the trusted news service we deliver every day.

Fake news takes many forms. It may be a deliberately contrived statement distributed in the guise of real news with the aim of deceiving for political or financial gain, or an unsubstantiated rumour posted on social media sites which rapidly gains authority through 'shares' and 'likes'.

Our Mid Cheshire Guardian series newspapers have a long and proud history of bringing you well researched and accurate journalism.

Since our first edition was published, we have always sought to provide trusted news, campaigning on behalf of the community, giving advertisers respected platforms to promote their services, investigating wrongdoing, holding decision makers to account and giving residents a voice against authority.

Unlike social media and other major digital platforms, we are accountable for every word we publish in our newspaper and on our website.

We are signed up to the Editors' Code of Practice which encompasses everything from accuracy to privacy, harassment, intrusion into grief or shock, protecting children and reporting crime.

Our reporters are trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists to the highest industry benchmarks. They are qualified in a range of skills - from newspaper law and ethics to shorthand, to ensure we get every quote right.

Every word is checked by qualified, senior journalists and if we do make a genuine mistake you can contact us immediately.

When you buy our paper or advertise with us you are supporting the very journalism and quality that keeps integrity at the heart of all we do.

We provide trusted news and advertisement platforms and thanks to a passionate and professional team of journalists you can be confident that our stories are always exactly what they purport to be, the genuine article. Fact - not fake.