Prime Minister Andy Burnham has hailed local journalism as a vital part of the country's democracy, praising reporters who hold those in power to account and give communities a voice.

Mr Burnham said independent journalism should be recognised as part of the nation's infrastructure, rather than a luxury, as he threw his support behind the annual Journalism Matters campaign.

He highlighted the importance of local newspapers and news websites in scrutinising decisions made by councils and other public bodies, particularly as the government pushes ahead with plans to devolve more powers from Westminster.

Writing for the campaign, Mr Burnham said: “Local reporters are the people sitting in council chambers, courts and planning meetings, asking the questions that need to be asked.

“They shine a light on decisions made in people’s name and give communities a voice.

“But their role goes much further than holding power to account.

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“At moments when communities are at their most vulnerable, good local journalism can bring people together and separate fact from fiction.

“We saw that after Southport and, more recently, in Belfast, when trusted reporters challenged lies and misinformation being spread online.”

The Prime Minister said too much power had traditionally been concentrated in Westminster, with his government seeking to give local communities greater control over decisions affecting their lives.

“But with greater local power must come local accountability. And that is why local journalism matters,” he said.

Mr Burnham added he was “proud to support this year's Journalism Matters campaign” which is about “recognising journalism not as a nice-to-have, but as part of the national infrastructure of a healthy country and democracy”.

“It holds power to account, strengthens our resilience and connects people to the places they call home,” he said.

This year's Journalism Matters campaign, coordinated by the News Media Association (NMA), celebrates the role of independent journalism in supporting communities and democracy.

A UNESCO report published earlier this year highlighted economic and security benefits associated with countries that support a free and independent press.

NMA chief executive Theo Bamber welcomed the Prime Minister's comments but urged the government to turn its support into action.

“Now, the support shown by the Prime Minister must turn into real action that demonstrates the government understands the changed environment that journalists and news publishers are operating in and strengthens their ability to do more of what they're brilliant at - chasing stories, uncovering the truth and holding power to account,” he said.