He said: "Local newspapers offer a chance for local traders to find local markets, and vice versa; for communities to express themselves and learn about others nearby; for campaigns on local issues to thrive and bear fruit; and for those who seek or claim to represent our communities to be called to account.

"Newspapers do this in a manner quite unlike other media. They hang around for days after publication for others to read before being recycled, yet by focusing on local news and views they offer a unique insight into local issues.

"Nowadays this is complemented by their excellent web sites and fascinating archives.

"I have campaigned for Government to direct more advertising revenue to local newspapers at this difficult time, when other advertisers are looking to cut costs. Newspaper companies need a hand up, not a hand out.

"I have congratulated the BBC for deciding not to compete directly with local newspapers at the neighbourhood level and condemned the Guardian Media Group for cutting so many jobs in nearby Greater Manchester.

"And I strongly support local papers as part of the democratic process.

"If politicians and others sometimes think we get a raw deal from them, perhaps we are not telling them the full story well enough!"