BBC-funded local democracy reporters have filed 50,000 news stories in the scheme’s first year, although the scheme has yet to fill every role.

LDRs are contracted by a specific publisher as part of the Local News Partnership between the BBC and News Media Association, launched to support local journalism and increase scrutiny of public bodies.

The BBC said more than 90 per cent of the planned 145 LDR roles had now been filled, up from 87 per cent in November. Full allocation of reporters is expected this year.