HOME Secretary David Blunkett has praised regional newspapers, like the Evening Press, for fighting on behalf of their readers.

In a speech to the Newspaper Conference annual lunch, he said local papers helped to bind their community together.

He also admitted that the Home Office could be "more open" in the information it releases to the local press, stating it had a vital role in passing on the impact which Government policies had on people's everyday lives.

Mr Blunkett told the audience of political journalists and editors: "I am in no doubt of the central role of regional and local media in people's lives and communities.

"Both politicians and papers have an interest in building strong communities.

"You have enormous power, if you chose to use it, to fight racism, build cohesion and help towns and communities renew themselves.

"This is not a coded plea to give politicians more coverage, but to continue to view yourself as part of the communities you report with a stake in their future."

"Dialogue is a two-way process, however, and I acknowledge that we in Government need to be more open with local media about what we are doing.

"In practice, this means being accessible and providing information in a useful form. It also means being more aware of local issues and how they impact on people on the ground who are working with us to deliver better services to the public we serve."

The lunch was attended by Evening Press editor Liz Page, who is President of the Society of Editors.

Updated: 11:07 Wednesday, March 20, 2002