COMMUNITY champions today heap praise on the Evening Mail's campaigning stance - as we reveal more than 2,000 have backed one of our calls for change.

In the last 12 months, we have launched at least six initiatives aimed at supporting the community or giving something back.

The latest to reach a landmark is our Healthy Young Minds campaign which seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues in children and calls for better funding.

Among those to support the campaign has been Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock.

He said: "The Evening Mail doesn't just report what is happening in the area, it fights for its readers and our community.

"I have been delighted to join forces with our local paper on particularly important issues like Furness General, legal highs and justice for Poppi Worthington.

"Like the best campaigning newspapers over the years, they get results and do us proud."

READ: How we raised enough to buy THREE tonnes of food for the needy

Our Healthy Young Minds success is the latest in a series of victories for the communities we serve.

Last year, we fought against swingeing cuts planned for our police force and, after delivering a petition to 10 Downing Street, the government scrapped its plans.

And through our Tonnes of Tins appeal, we raised enough money to buy three tonnes of food for the Barrow Foodbank, feeding hundreds of families living in poverty.

Ann Mills, project manager at Barrow Foodbank, said: "The Evening Mail has supported the foodbank in so many ways - there has been so, so many.

"It's hard to reach so many people but the Evening Mail helps us do that. We hope we can close out doors one day but that day is still a long way in the future."

NUMBER 10: The day we dropped in on Downing Street to fight police cuts

Since the beginning of the year, we have been fighting for justice for Barrow baby Poppi Worthington, whose death, and the subsequent ruling of a judge about the circumstances, sent shockwaves through the town.

Our pursuit of an independent inquiry into the the failings of the police and county council is ongoing.

In the last 12 months, the Evening Mail, through its charitable trust, has handed cash grants to local groups, charities and good causes.

And Christmas was made extra special for dozens of courageous and selfless youngsters who attended our Christmas Star party for free last December.

TOUCHING: How our Christmas Star initiative rewarded brave, selfless and poorly children

Evening Mail editor James Higgins said: "We're proud of the work we do in the towns and villages we serve. Fighting for what is right, giving people a voice and giving something back is absolutely what we should be doing.

"We never take for granted our place in the community. We work hard to bring the news to our readers across print a digital and to ensure we are a campaigning voice for the greater good."