The Norwich Evening News and its staff picked up several major awards at the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards.

The newspaper won both Front Page of the Year for its coverage of the death of former Norwich City manager John Bond, and Community Campaign of the Year for 'A friend in need', designed to encourage readers to look out for vulnerable people in their neighbourhoods.

Sport reporter Michael Bailey was also named Digital Journalist of the Year, Annette Hudson picked up the award for Designer of the Year, and Denise Bradley was named News Photographer of the Year. The Website of the Year was won by www.pinkun.com. Judges said that 'A friend in need' was a very emotive community campaign, and praised the newspaper for taking 'a brave approach' with its tribute to John Bond.

Judges said: 'The special wraparound and colour treatment – turning the front page including the masthead black and yellow – certainly worked, with the paper putting on an extra 1,000 sales.'

Evening News editor Nigel Pickover said: 'I'm thrilled our team scooped six great awards – recognising the quality of our products in both print and digital platforms.'

The awards, held in association with HoldtheFrontPage, are now in their eighth year in the region. All the winners received a £100 cheque, certificate and trophy.

- To see a selection of the photos which helped Denise win the News Photographer of the Year award, see the gallery at the top-right of this page.