Budding newshounds in some of the region' s most-isolated communities are to be given training to improve community newsletters.
More than £1,000 has been set aside to fund the project following a request for help from the Langdale Society, which produces the Langdale Valley News.
Cumbria County Council local committee for South Lakeland heard how a survey was sent out to parish councils and district newspapers in the area and of 37 who replied 15 said they would be interested in the training.
But Coun Jim Bland questioned the need to spend such a large amount on the project.
"People should show initiative and organise these things for themselves.
Where will this stop?" he said.
The committee backed the funding by seven votes to five.
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