A campaign calling for more funding has been launched by the Isle of Wight County Press and local council.

The Isle of Wight County Press has launched a campaign with the local council, calling for more funding and highlighting the problems that cuts to public services are causing the local economy.

The 'Fight for the Wight' campaign has been given significant editorial space in the local paper, including a front page 'call to action'.

The petition central to the campaign has so far gathered almost 5, 000 signatures.

"We are trying not to put a target on it but if we got 50,000 signaturues we would be very happy.

"We don’t generally get involved in campaigns, but this is so important I felt I couldn't stand by and let the Isle of Wight sink.

"We have a population of 144,000 and every one of those people has a stake in making a strong case to the minister. I hope the message can get through to those in power." said editor of the Isle of Wight County Press, Alan Marriott.