AS the country heads into a second national lockdown, there has never been a more crucial time to know what is happening in your area.

This next stage of the coronavirus pandemic will have a severe impact on people's daily lives and mental health, throwing up new challenges for families, businesses, schools, the NHS and our community.

And in an era of misinformation and fake news on social media sites, staying informed with reliable journalism is key to staying safe. We want to make sure you continue to stay in the know with your trusted local paper.

This is why we are relaunching our home delivery service with six weeks' free delivery to ensure you can still get your newspaper at the time when you need it most.

We can deliver your newspaper free of any delivery charges for the first six weeks, ensuring you can get your newspaper sent straight to your doorstep during the month-long lockdown.

Our scheme was first launched in the spring after we were inundated with requests from readers desperate to get their newspaper sent to them while they were locked down.

We understand that for millions of people like you, getting your newspaper is an important part of your lives.

Our home delivery service will help ensure readers - particularly those who are vulnerable and elderly - can stay informed.

It couldn't be easier to sign up. Simply call 0800 953 0227 to speak to one of our friendly professional advisors who will help you with your order.

As well as our home delivery newspaper service, we have also launched our digital subscriptions, where readers can get unlimited access to our online journalism 24 hours a day starting from just £2 a month for the first two months.

Just visit our website countygazette.co.uk/subscribe to sign up.

Research compiled by Newsworks shows public trust in local news has soared throughout the pandemic, with two thirds of people valuing journalism more now than before the crisis began.

Your County Gazette has been reporting on Somerset since 1826, through world wars, natural disasters and local tragedies.

And our trusted journalists will continue to tell the stories that matter over the upcoming weeks from reporting the latest coronavirus infection rates and figures as well as covering breaking news, courts and crime, councils, sport and non-Covid stories.

Paul Jones, editor of your County Gazette, said: "Readers are relying on trusted news brands more than ever before as they seek to make sense of the latest developments in the pandemic and what it means for them and their loved ones.

"It has widely been acknowledged that local newspapers have provided a vital service in keeping the public informed and it is absolutely right that we are offering six weeks' free delivery to get our newspaper to as many people as possible."

You can stay informed and stay safe by taking out a home delivery newspaper subscription by calling 0800 953 0227 or a digital subscription countygazette.co.uk/subscribe and help us continue to provide you with all the latest trusted local news.

Stay informed. Stay safe.