Judges were today casting their expert eyes over more than 200 entries for the EDF Energy South West Media Awards.

The HoldtheFrontPage office in Derby is hosting ‘decision day’, where the best work from 51 publications, news agencies, photographers and broadcasters will be carefully scrutinised.

Publisher Patrick Astill said: “This phenomenal response shows that regional and local press journalism is thriving in the South West.

“It is a very rewarding and vibrant industry to be involved in – something which is emphasised by such a large entry – and I would like to thank everyone who has taken part.

“It’s a credit to staff at newspapers and broadcasters throughout the region that their work is considered ‘competition standard’ and I am certain the judges will enjoy what is going to be a long day of decision-making.”

The judges include EDF Energy’s head of media relations, Andrew Brown, former journalism lecturer and editor Gerry Kreibich, Sentinel editor Sean Dooley, accomplished press photographer Doug Marke, and Lincolnshire Newspapers’ managing editor Tim Robinson, himself a former weekly newspaper editor. BBC television and radio journalist Kate Squire, now managing editor at BBC Radio Leicester, is judging the broadcast entries.

HoldtheFrontPage will reveal the shortlist of nominees for the awards in the next few days.

All nominees are invited to lunch and drinks at a ceremony in Bristol on June 16, courtesy of the sponsors, EDF Energy, where Olympian Jason Gardener will be guest of honour.

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