OUR story that a local school had been banned from celebrating Red Nose Day has caused some fuss. We should not be covering such stories is the gist of the argument.

Yet the role of a newspaper is to cover all aspects of local life. Our readers tell us they want to know and read about what is happening in their community. In short, they want more local news stories in the paper.

Usually that means recording success and achievement but often it involves covering debate and differences of opinion, or actions which some sections of the community disagree with.

A head teacher decides not to allow Red Nose "celebrations" at her school. A local parent speaks out on behalf of others. Not worthy of comment? Tabloid journalism? Sensationalism?

Surely not. It's just the sort of debate which happens within our community on a regular basis and which the Craven Herald, as a newspaper steeped within its community, is expected to reflect. To avoid covering stories because some people find them awkward, or embarrassing, is a dereliction of our duty.

For a newspaper not to report on local matters is, dare we say, akin to the Church of England discussing how good the singing is in church but ignoring a debate on women priests, homosexuality or how it should tackle plummeting attendances at services.

We did not pass comment on the school's stance. Our readers expect us to cover matters of local interest and debate and are mature enough to make up their own minds.

That is how newspapers - and indeed society - works.