PRIME Minister David Cameron has backed local newspapers even though he knows they may give the Coalition a rough ride in the coming months and years.

Mr Cameron realises that local newspapers see how Government policies work in local communities – and knows they will look at them with a critical eye.

As Local Newspaper Week draws to a close he said: “For decades, local newspapers have faced fierce competition.

“First there was the radio, then television and now, of course, the internet. But despite all these challenges, they continue to play a vital role and that’s testament to the extraordinary creativity and versatility of all those people who work in local media.

“Local newspapers are hugely important to our country for two good reasons. First, they strengthen our democracy, holding the powerful to account.

“Whereas national newspapers can focus on the bigger picture, it’s local papers that often really analyse the detail of what central and local government is doing and the impact their policies have on the ground.

“In the weeks and months ahead, I expect local papers to continue to scrutinise everything this government does in their area and act as a voice for their readers.

“Second, local papers are hugely important in helping to build a bigger, stronger society.

“There is a massive gap between the state on the one hand, and the individual on the other, and local papers help fill the space in between, galvanising readers into action.

“That could be by campaigning on local issues, highlighting local clubs, groups, businesses and societies and encouraging people to get involved, or championing local people who are playing their part to make their community a better place. By shining a spotlight on this good work, local papers persuade others to do more – and I want to see more of it.’’

He added: “I would like to take this opportunity, as we celebrate Local Newspaper Week, to ask local newspapers and you, their readers, to show off even more of the great work taking place in your community and nominate your local heroes for the Government’s Big Society Awards.

“There have been 16 award winners to date, recognising the remarkable work going on in towns and cities up and down the country, by all kinds of organisations from large enterprises to tiny grassroots schemes and inspirational individuals.’’

Shelley Community Association (SCA), which runs a whole host of voluntary groups for villagers of all ages, is the 12th to win the Government’s Big Society Award.

SCA runs Shelley Village Hall and community groups including an over 60s club, brownies, sports and arts clubs.

The association holds a biennial garden festival, concerts, plays, dances and a New Year’s Day welly walk.

In 2009 when the village post office was threatened with closure, SCA allowed the office to run from the village hall.

Another local newspaper supporter is Two-Star Michelin chef and TV Personality Michel Roux Jr.

He said: “Like a robust local newspaper, good local food and produce lie at the heart of a strong local community.

“Vibrant local restaurants, pubs, cafes and producers act as catalysts for the local economy, bringing money into the area and creating jobs and other opportunities for residents.

“But the value of a vibrant local food scene goes beyond economics. Good food often brings people together simply for the pleasure of sharing a good meal together. And that allows strong community links and friendships to be forged and maintained.

“By publicising and championing local business, local papers play a vital role in keeping local communities strong, economically and socially.

“As well as supporting local business, local papers also play a key role in highlighting charitable causes. By doing this, local papers encourage people to get involved and give up their time to make a real difference.”

There are 1,200 regional and local newspapers and 1,400 associated websites in the UK.

The local press is the UK’s most popular print medium, read by 38 million people a week.

34 million unique users rely on their local newspaper websites every month.

More than 6,100 local newspapers are sold or distributed in the UK every minute.

Local media employs over 30,000 people .