The Norwich Evening News is celebrating today after its journalists scooped awards at a prestigious awards ceremony.

And its sister paper, the Eastern Daily Press, was named Daily Newspaper of the Year in the East of England Media Awards organised by EDF Energy.

Of the newspaper of the year accolade, presented at Radisson Blu, Stansted, the judges said: 'Always newsy, there are great front pages, strong photography and a high story count.

'From its Ambulance Watch campaign to the high impact vertical broadsheet front page as RAF Marham is declared the UK RAF fighter base HQ until 2040, you get the feeling that this is a title standing up for its readers – an authority in its own right.

'It is good on court cases and council matters, and there are plenty of features on important local topics. It is a paper with a genuine focus on what matters to its readers.

'It's packed with news and views, and great writing.

Editor Nigel Pickover said: 'This is an award for a superb team in the greatest patch of them all, Norfolk, North Suffolk and East Cambridgeshire.

'Generations of readers and advertisers have loved the EDP and our job is to keep that fine tradition alive.

'We'll fight for our readers, as with the Ambulance Watch campaign, and will be there in times of crisis.

'I have been honoured to help in the Norfolk and Lowestoft Flood Appeal, which is now racing to the £230,000 mark – and we'll be there until everyone is dry and home.'

Sports writer Michael Bailey won two gongs – Digital Journalist of the Year and Sports Journalist of the Year, a stunning achievement which included praise for his work on Mustard TV.

Photographer of the year was named as Ian Burt, whose images, including a 'My Daddy' front page, captivated the judges.

Designer of the Year award was won by Annette Hudson for the second year running. Judges said they were thrilled with her impressive portfolio.

Our sister paper, the Lowestoft Journal was named Weekly Newspaper of the Year, a tribute to the dedication of editor Max Bennett and his team.

The North Norfolk News was also shortlisted for this award. Richard Batson is editor of the publication.