A CAMPAIGN promoting the strength of local weekly newspapers has been launched.

The Weekly Independent Newspaper Association (WINA) is behind the multimedia Local Weekly Newspapers –With You All The Way television campaign, supported by the Newspaper Society.

Director David Newell said: “Weekly newspapers are the cornerstone of the newspaper industry in the UK. They connect communities and businesses together in a way in which no other media can.” A 90-second version of the television campaign is being streamed on weekly newspaper websites across the country including the News's site.

To watch the clip, see the video, see www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKsR60hM1g8. There have also been newspaper advertisements, website banners and radio jingles in the national campaign, inspired by veteran newspaper owner Sir Ray Tindle.

Joanna Parlby, chairwoman of WINA, said: “We are working to dispel some of the myths that local newspapers and the role they have in their communities may be under threat.

“We are confident that the closeness and trust we share with the readers and advertisers we have in every community in print and online will enable us to carry on serving them.” www.youtube.com/embed/HKsR60hM1g8