The Sunday Mercury has claimed its third win in as many years as the 2001 BT Midlands Daily Newspaper of the Year.

The accolade was announced at a ceremony last night at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.

The Tamworth Herald was named Midlands Weekly Newspaper of the Year, the second time it has won the award.

There was a second award for the Sunday Mercury with Lucy Miles being named Midlands Daily News Journalist of the Year, and there were also two awards for The Sentinel and for Central News West.

Sharon Edwards, of the Lincolnshire Echo was named Midlands Feature Writer of the Year and was also highly commended in the Midlands Daily News Journalist of the Year category.

For a full list of all 14 category winners and runners-up, and pictures of the winners, visit: http://www.bt.com/mediacentre/awards.

All 14 winners will go through to the national finals in London in June.

As regional winners, individuals have already picked up a trophy, certificate and cheque for £250. The runners-up won £50 and a certificate.