How news savvy are you? Can you figure out the missing word in these genuine local news headlines?
Over the years, readers of local news have been blessed with “Police Called in to Creperie Battle”, “Crisps Stolen in Break-In”, “Woman Finds a Hat in a Tree”, and more.
But remove a word from the headings and you'd likely be stumped trying to determine the missing word.
The quiz was developed by digital magazine and newspaper app, Readly, after research found 15% of adults “love” reading local news – to see if it’s about anyone they know.
Nearly a fifth love to read about crime in their local area, while others enjoy reading about local politics (16%) or human-interest stories (14%).
Other favourite funny headlines include “foul mouthed parrot on the loose”, “police admit “biggest-ever” cocaine haul is dental powder”, and “drunk fought invisible man”.
While “I’ve been posting my letters in the dog poo box for TWO YEARS” and “Hackney Pool too wet to swim” also made the top 20.
It also emerged over half (55%) have made headlines themselves, featuring in the local paper at least once in their lifetime.
Chris Couchman, head of content at Readly, said: “It is important to know what is going on in your local area, as you just don’t know how it could affect you on a personal level.
“The appetite for local news and community spirit is strong in a post-pandemic world.
“From the humour to the heartwarming, local drama to local heroes, local reports keep readers smiling and entertained.”
The study, which celebrates Readly adding regional newspapers to its platform, also found 59% of adults are loyal to their local newspaper.
And 74% believe they are important for keeping communities informed about current events.
More than one in seven have written into the newspaper “multiple times”, with 40% of them having their letter published at least once – and 54% still have the clipping.
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Despite 45% of adults no longer living in the area they grew up in, 16% of them still follow the news that goes on there all the time.
It also emerged almost two-thirds (63%) believe it's important to support your local paper.
But while 47% are proud of their local publication, almost a third (31%) believe this news service is underappreciated.
And 63% of those polled, via OnePoll, agree local newspapers are the best way to keep up to date with local news.
Chris Couchman added: “It is great to hear that so many value their local newspaper, reading it alongside national news.
“That’s why we’re delighted to add 160 regional titles to the Readly platform, so people can read alongside their favourite magazines and newspapers.
“Local news could have an impact on the community, and allow people to engage in decision-making within the area.
“Just because something isn’t “newsworthy” on a national level, it doesn’t mean that the achievement is not worth reporting on.
“Without it, we wouldn’t have access to current events and up-to-date information that is important to us in our everyday lives.”
FUNNIEST LOCAL HEADLINES BRITS LOVE:
- Foul mouthed parrot on loose
- Police admit “biggest-ever” cocaine haul is dental powder
- Drunk fought invisible man
- I've been posting my letters in the dog poo box for TWO YEARS
- Hackney pool “too wet to swim”
- Man tried to sell himself on eBay
- Fugitive sausage dog causes mayhem
- Man freed after getting his head stuck in bin in Aberdeen
- Mystery of restaurant's exploding tea towels
- Neighbour fined for listening to Elton John
- Postman beaten by lavender bush
- Man stole woman's pants for 17 years
- Panic as man burns crumpets
- Exeter seagulls turned off my TV
- Delight as man grows banana in garden
- Crisps stolen in break-in
- Bananaman rescued from roundabout
- Warning over dangerous cupcakes
- Sex barn to be old people's home?
- Girl with eyepatch called a pirate by teacher
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