THE Queen was warm in her praise of local newspapers when she attended a Golden Jubilee Luncheon staged by The Newspaper Society in London on Tuesday.
She felt the regional press was the medium which was well placed to understand the day-to-day issues which affect- ed people's lives most closely.
"That is probably why regional newspapers are particularly trusted and why your readership is growing," the Queen told her audience of newspaper executives at the Savoy Hotel.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh had been introduced by Newspaper Society president Edwin Boorman.
The Queen said she was delighted to have the opportunity to meet so many publishers of Britain's regional and local newspapers, and their guests, in this, her Golden Jubilee year.
"As your display in this room today illustrates so well, the regional press have been covering Royal events assiduously for these past 50 years.
"The pictures bring back many memories, and I look forward with great interest to seeing the Newspaper Society's collection of coverage of royal visits through the reign when it is published later this year.
"On my visits to different parts of the United Kingdom since my Accession, it is the reporters and photographers from the regional press who turn out at all times and in all weathers to cover the story.
"For each visit has a purpose, whether it is to celebrate an important event or activity, to raise the profile of a specific cause or organisation, or to recognise achievement and success.
"These are more often than not local rather than national stories and the regional media, in recording these occasions, help to put into context the invaluable public and voluntary work being done day in and day out around the country."
The Queen continued: "Because your newspapers are an intrinsic part of the communities they serve, they give us a very special insight into what is going on around the country.
"With your hundreds of journalists who live and work in the towns and villages of Britain – and not just in London – the regional press is the medium which is well-placed to understand, and give such comprehensive coverage to, the day-to-day issues which affect people's lives most closely.
"That is probably why regional newspapers are particularly trusted and why your readership is growing."
The traditional role of serving the community had never been more important.
"It seems to me that people need a sense of community, a sense of belonging, now more than ever, and your newspapers help to meet that need."
The importance of local communities was something she hoped would be emphasised during the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
"All these events will bring people together. We would like to think that a lasting legacy of this jubilee for the future will be that communities across the country will have been strengthened and those who work for them, including your newspapers, will have been encouraged in their work.
"My Golden Jubilee also gives us the opportunity to thank everyone who has given us such loyalty and encouragement since I came to the throne in 1952.
"I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to all of you who work in the regional media for your support.
" I believe you are performing a vital community role and I wish you all continued success in the years to come."