The Eastern Daily Press has picked up a top national award for its coverage of world poverty.

The Norfolk-based newspaper won the Local Media Award at this year’s One World Media Awards, for its successful Abandoned Children Appeal.

The appeal raised more than £100,000 for abandoned orphans in Romania after the newspaper told of their plight.

The cash was used to buy a complete farm in an impoverished region of northern Romania, which is now home to 30 disabled youngsters who may otherwise have faced disease, abuse, and perhaps early death in an adult asylum.

Deputy editor James Ruddy, who instigated the appeal, collected the award during a ceremony at The Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, hosted by Jon Snow.

During the paper’s 12-month appeal James flew to Romania twice to investigate the need and report on the successful results.

The EDP beat shortlisted entries from BBC Radio Norfolk and Serendip TV. Other winners included BBC Radio 4, Guardian Weekend and ITN.