CULTURE secretary Jeremy Wright has said it is time to support local journalism as it’s good for democracy.

He said while there has never been more ways to access the news, newspapers - accountable, properly researched journalism, paid for by the cover price and the adverts opposite the story - are under immense pressure.

Mr Wright said: "Last week the Cairncross Review into the future of the press painted a vivid picture of the challenges facing high-quality journalism in the UK.

"The review makes clear that one type of news we cannot do without is public interest journalism. And that is exactly what this paper, as well as hundreds like it across the UK, delivers on a daily basis."

He added the review recommends doubling of the journalists funded through a Local Democracy Reporting Service, of which the Evening Times has two.

He said they will carefully consider the review’s recommendations, looking at ways to preserve and nurture quality local reporting and to support the transition of the industry from print to digital.