Derby Telegraph embraces Local Newspaper Week

The Derby Telegraph has thrown its full support behind Local Newspaper Week – as its printed and digital products are read by more people now than at any time in the last 10 years.

Organised by the Newspaper Society and running from May 11 to 17, Local Newspaper Week aims to highlight the important role of local papers at the heart of their cities, towns and villages, working together with local people and businesses to ensure a fitter, stronger community.

The Derby Telegraph has got behind Local Newspaper Week to counter the negative messages being peddled by commentators about our industry.

Editor Steve Hall said: "Of course we are facing major challenges – structural and cyclical – but thousands of people still enjoy the Telegraph every day and our printed and digital products are read by more people each week now than at any time during the last 10 years.

"The paper is still very much at the heart of its community, using its lobbying power and influence to positive effect on behalf of its readers. We thought it was worth celebrating some of that work – and publishing the grateful comments of people we have helped."

The Derby Telegraph series has included:

• A run down of its major campaigns from the last year
• The stories of a number of individual families that the Telegraph has helped
• Testimonials from Derby’s opinion-formers
• Profiles of senior members of the Derby Telegraph team
• A guide to some of the newer products within its publishing portfolio

Local Newspaper Week coverage in the Telegraph has not just been limited to in print. The title has been publishing equally extensive articles online at thisisderbyshire.co.uk – for example: 'We couldn't get it sorted without the Telegraph... it opens doors'.

Meanwhile 'How we help our frontline heroes keep in touch with their families' shows how the Telegraph's website directly helps local people. Members of the serving armed forces can see pictures of their families back home by visiting the section of the website dedicated to keeping people in touch with their loved ones on duty. On the site, set up for members of the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), scores of partners and friends log on to keep up to date with the soldiers' progress.

Coinciding with the Telegraph's Local Newspaper Week coverage, one such event was the grand finale of its Community Champions Awards scheme which takes place at Derby County's Pride Park stadium on Sunday May 17. With the support of Derby County FC, Radio Derby, the city council, Derby City Partnership and Derbyshire Police, the paper will be honouring 14 of the county's unsung heroes.

Talking about the Telegraph's role in the community, Jonathan Powers, vice-president of the Derby Multi-Faith Centre, President of Derby Chamber Music Society and Chairman of Derby Playhouse said: "Without this paper, created locally and written by people with local knowledge, who make the effort to understand what happens, the city would lack the vital ingredient which makes it a community.

"If the Telegraph did not exist someone would need to reinvent it."