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.

And this includes the team here at the Northwich & Winsford Guardian.

Today (October 28), 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.

Here we have put together a list of our 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 more: Mid Cheshire General Election results as it happened

2. Messages to the community

Following a medical emergency in Northwich, the family involved contacted the Guardian with a view to sharing a message of thanks to the community.

Read more: Family's sincere thanks to community for help in saving dad after heart attack

3. Coverage of big events in our towns

Our reporters regularly cover big events in our towns and surrounding areas, such as the ever-popular Piña Colada Festival.

Read more: Piña Colada Festival brings record-breaking footfall to Northwich

4. Updates on major developments

We regularly provide updates on major developments taking place across our patch, one of which included this behind-the-scenes look at the regeneration of Winsford town centre.

Read more: Winsford town centre: Behind the scenes of £22.5m redevelopment

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 the Premier Inn in Northwich, with rumours circulating about its future use.

Read more: Future of popular pub uncertain amid Premier Inn expansion plans

6. Planning applications

Our team regularly goes through planning applications to keep the community informed about plans across our the area.

Read more: Coffee#1 looking to open new store in Northwich town centre

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 more: Woman refused to let partner use the toilet in 'degrading' campaign of control

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 more: Seven arrests made as police seize £500k cash and cars in major raid operation

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 more: Dad celebrated for 30 years of volunteer work after terminal cancer diagnosis

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 more: Park home downsizers face up to £16k resale levy thanks to 'archaic' land law