BOLTON News are proud to be supporting Local Newspaper Week - a campaign which celebrates the role of trusted local newspapers in their communities.

Starting today, LNW will see local newspapers from across the UK join forces to praise the industry’s unique strengths.

According to 2018 YouGov survey, local newspapers in print and digital are read by 42 million adults and are the most trusted source for local news and information.

The Bolton News has a proud history of campaigning on behalf of our readers and reporting on the news that local people really care about – ever since our first edition in March 1867.

Each day this week we will feature a story on the importance of local news in our area and highlight some of the ways we gather news.

Bolton News interim editor Mike Crutchley said: “Local Newspaper Week highlights the work of newspapers such as The Bolton News and the part they play in the community.

“We cover a range of topics from breaking news to court, crime, fires, crashes, inquests and councils.

“The core of what we do has not changed but the way we deliver it has altered dramatically over the past 10 years.

“People want to know instantly what is happening and how it will affect them and that is what we strive to do, whether they are reading our print edition, our website, or social media.

“Through our articles this week, we will hopefully be able to share with readers what is involved in gathering the news and the importance of having an independent and free local press.”

LNW is run by Local Media Works, the local marketing arm of the News Media Association, and this year's event will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the campaign.

To kick off the week, tonight our Deputy News Editor Craig Archer, will talk live to Jo Whiley and Simon Mayo on the drivetime show on BBC Radio 2 about the importance of local news in the area.