SHIPLEY MP Philip Davies championed the role of local newspapers as being at the heart of communities and holding those in power to account in a speech to Parliament.

He said newspapers were a trusted source of information and stated everything should be done to support them.

Tory Mr Davies said: “Local newspapers are essential for local democracy and hold people to account. Without them anyone in a position of authority locally would not necessarily be brought to account.”

The newspaper industry is facing challenges because of changes in advertising patterns and how news is accessed in an era of the internet and social media, the Conservative said.