I think this beautifully sums up the unique role newspapers can play in their communities in campaigning for change. Something that the children NSPCC campaigns for have benefited from many times and in many ways.

When we launched the FULL STOP Campaign to end child cruelty in 1999 we knew at the outset we could not do it alone. We knew we would need the support of everyone in every area of society and they needed to be willing to take action.

Local newspapers, and their readers have been incredibly supportive of the campaign – they still are – and on behalf of all the children who through their efforts have been helped by the NSPCC since the campaign began, a sincere thank you.

The NSPCC has a strong track record of working successfully with newspapers and local communities on appeals and campaigns. Over the course of this year we look forward to working with regional media to continue to communicate the vital support our helplines provide. This includes the ChildLine service for children and young people.

Equally, this close collaboration has raised valuable funds that have helped us to run services in communities. It has also, just as importantly, raised awareness of the need to protect children and how this can be done.

I am pleased to support Local Newspaper Week and the emphasis it will be giving towards 'campaigning for your community'. Child abuse is very much a local issue and something that has an impact on all communities.

The support that regional media has given us in raising awareness and driving change has long been a heritage of which newspapers can be rightly proud. Long may it continue.