JOURNALISTS across the country play a vital role in our society, from holding those in power to account, to keeping the public informed of things happening in their communities.

This includes the team here at the Warrington Guardian.

Today, Monday, marks the start of Journalism Matters Week – a campaign highlighting the enormous value that trusted journalism creates for our democratic society.

According to the News Media Association, which co-ordinates the campaign, 92 per cent of adults say they use local media.

We have put together a list of 10 stories from 2024 so far, which we feel highlights the importance of the work we do.

1. Coverage of the General Election count

Our reporters provided impartial coverage of the election counts in Cheshire overnight, keeping readers up to date on local results, and the wider national picture, as they came in.

Read > Warrington General Election 2024 results as they happened

2. Messages to the community

We often feature community contributions, such as this one allowing pupils and parents to send their heartfelt thanks to the town’s wonderful teachers.

Read > Your special thank you messages for the best teachers in Warrington

3. Coverage of big events in our town

Our reporters regularly cover big events in our towns and surrounding areas, such as the ever-popular Warrington Walking Day.

Read > Warrington Walking Day 2024 as it happened

4. Updates on major developments

We regularly provide updates on major developments taking place across our patch, one of which included the demolition of the iconic Fiddler’s Ferry site.

Read > Phase two of Fiddler’s Ferry power station demolition approved

5. Confirming or refuting rumours

The Guardian is often contacted regarding unsubstantiated rumours, which we look into to confirm or refute. This was the case with regards to reports of a suspicious man, with rumours circulating on social media which can easily lead to more serious incidents.

Read > Police confirm circumstances of stranger ‘photographing child’

6. Planning applications

Our team regularly goes through planning applications and covers planning committee meetings to keep the community informed about plans in the town.

Read > Scheme to build 550 homes and a hotel in town centre given green light

7. Covering court cases and inquests

Open justice is a bedrock principle of the UK legal system and our reporters regularly cover court cases to provide the public with a record of how criminals are dealt with. We also attend inquests to highlight the work of coroners.

Read > Live court updates as pair sentenced for Brianna Ghey murder

8. Covering incidents involving emergency services

Incidents involving the emergency services are of great public interest and our team provides the public with information as they unfold. This can also include joining different services on their operations, for an inside look at how they operate.

Read > Suspected brothel massage parlours raided in Warrington and Widnes

9. Championing our community

We regularly publish stories celebrating the achievements of people and businesses in our community, as well as some of the amazing things they do for charity.

Read > First Ugandan refugee family in Warrington sell shop after 50 years

10. Providing a voice

Members of the public contact us regularly with issues they would like to highlight and we try to do our best to help share their story.

Read > Resident raises concerns on hefty parking fines at Junction Nine