The Queen has paid tribute to those local newspapers who have been able to help the public during the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this month the Royal Family Twitter account highlighted campaign work undertaken by news outlets.

 

 

"Local #HealthHeroes have been the focus of countless front pages in recent weeks, reflecting our thanks & admiration for frontline workers," the Tweet read.

"As The Queen said on #WorldHealthDay: ‘In testing times, we often observe that the best of the human spirit comes to the fore.

"Thank You to the local newspapers using their platform to help others, from fundraising to distributing supplies."

The Queen is also a patron of Journalists' Charity, which supports journalists nationwide with advice and guidance, crisis support, financial assistance and events and networking.

The series of tweets continued: "#ThankfulThursday ‘Lockdown without Journalism? Unthinkable.’ aims to showcase the role of journalists during the Covid-19 crisis, as they face an uncertain future.

"This #ThankfulThursday, let’s recognise all of the journalists and broadcasters working to keep us informed.

"From the national titles and broadcasters, to the local and regional outlets making a difference to the communities they serve - #ThankYou."

Also this month, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick urged the public to buy newspapers.

He said: “A free country needs a free press and the national, the regional, and the local newspapers of our country are under significant financial pressure.

“I would like to echo the words of the Culture Secretary recently in encouraging everyone who can to buy a newspaper.”