THE Daily Echo is backing a national initiative to fight the menace of 'fake news'.

We're joining forces with regional newspapers across the UK to launch the first ever coordinated print and digital campaign against the worrying phenomenon.

Starting on May 3, the Fighting Fake News campaign will involve local newspapers taking a stand against a practice that has become widespread across social media.

Daily Echo editor Andy Martin said: "The critical role of local newspapers in providing local communities with highly trusted news and advertisement platforms is even more important than ever in the run up to the general and local elections.

"Through their reporting, local newspapers uphold, promote and support democracy, fighting against the fake news which undermines and subverts it. We must champion the vital democratic function of local newspapers now, more than ever."

Coordinated through Local Media Works, the local marketing arm of the News Media Association, Fighting Fake News will run up to and compliment Local Newspaper Week, an initiative to highlight local newspapers' ability to make a difference in their communities through campaigning.

Papers will also highlight the checks and balances involved in reporting local news and the investment and high levels of professional training required to produce local print and online journalism.

The campaign will start with newspapers across the UK carrying editorial and graphics highlighting the industry's highly trusted credentials.

Fighting Fake News will run throughout Local Newspaper Week, May 15-21, which will see the local newspaper industry come together to celebrate their campaigning achievements.

As part of the activity, members of the public will be invited to vote for their favourite local newspaper campaign from a list of 28 on the Local, Newspaper Week website.