Entrants to this year’s Midlands Media Awards have faced their ‘Judgement Day’.

Shortlisted entrants – slimmed down from a record level of entries – have now been scrutinised by a six-strong judging panel, led by ex-Fleet Street journalist John Lamb.

John was joined in the decision-making process by fellow judges Andrew Pierce, assistant editor at The Times; Fred Bromwich, editor of Business Finance Midlands; Saga Radio news editor Colin Palmer; Phil Addis, a former chief photographer of the Birmingham Post and Mail; and Carlton TV presenter Llewella Bailey.

After a gruelling day the panel came up with a list of winners – and declared that the standard of entries this year had been higher than ever.

Judges Llewella, Andrew, John, Fred, Colin and Phil

John said: “Once again we have been reminded that the standard of journalism in the Midlands region is of the highest quality.

“There is no doubt that we have some very talented journalists plying their trade here, in newspapers, radio and television. The future for the media sector is indeed bright in this region.”