A five-day series of articles about asylum seekers and refugees in Coventry has won the Evening Telegraph a top media award.

It was named Regional and Local Newspaper of the Year at the Race in the Media Awards.

Judges voted feature writer Paul Barry’s work as the best in its field at the event hosted by the Commission for Racial Equality.

Paul co-ordinated the series of features about asylum seekers and refugees in Coventry, which was published last July.

The articles revealed that at least 3,500 asylum seekers and refugees had arrived in Coventry in two years.

Editor Alan Kirby said: “The issue of asylum seekers is extremely importantin Coventry which is a city designated to receive a huge influx ofrefugees.

“The numbers are growing all the time and we have a duty to ourreaders to give them the facts on this sensitive issue.

“Our week-long series not only reported those facts but we were also ableto present the human face of the issue through our interviews with peopleseeking asylum and those trying to help them. We were also able tohighlight a clear deficiency in the support services and infrastructure tocope with this potentially huge crisis.

“This is a matter of crucial public interest which will continue to fueldebate and I believe it is the role of newspapers to present balanced andwell-informed features on the subject, not to stifle public debate but toencourage it. I am delighted our coverage has been recognised as a positivestep in that direction.”

Evening Telegraph health reporter Karen Hambridge and former education reporter Nigel Hart also contributed to the series, explaining the challenges faced by doctors and schools.

Commission chair Trevor Phillips said: “The winners of these awards don’t see reporting responsibly on race as a moral duty, but a way of challenging prejudices whilst simultaneously producing brilliant and inspiring journalism. I congratulate them all.”

Away from the regional press, Ms Dynamite continued her award-winning streak when she was named Media Personality of the Year.

The results were announced at a gala luncheon at the Savoy Hotel in London attended by judges, nominees and a host of celebrities and leading players in the UK media. Channel 4 News anchorman, Jon Snow, and Sky News presenter, Lisa Aziz, hosted the awards.

Other award winners included:

National Newspaper: Anne Karpf, Guardian Weekend: We’ve Been Here Before

Specialist Magazine: Personnel Today: Refugees In Employment Campaign

Consumer Magazine: Time Out: Body of Work

Television News (joint Winners): Kurt Barling, BBC London News: Body of Work Channel 4 News: Body of Work

Television Factual: Fatima Salaria: Blood And Fire

Television Entertainment: Hat Trick Productions Ltd: The Kumars At No 42 With Stephen Fry/Lesley Garret

Television Drama: Granada Television: The Jury

Serial Drama (Soaps): Shobna Gulati: Coronation Street

Radio News: (BBC Community Affairs Unit) BBC London 94.9: The Eddie Nestor Show

Radio Factual: Sandra Herbet, BBC Leicester: Myths about Muslims

Radio Entertainment Music: BBC Community Affairs Unit, BBC London 94.9: I Love Carnival

Radio Drama: David Farr/Toby Swift/Marc Beeby/Rachel Stanton: Crime And Punishment in Dalston

Advertising: Camden Council/Ebb & Flow: Making Black History Campaign

Recruitment Advertising: Lancashire Constabulary, Police Officer Recruitment Campaign

Children/ Youth: Dippy Chaudhary, BBC London: Inside Out: Peckham Boys

Website: Patrick Vernon/Pamela Adjei: everygeneration.co.uk

Leadership in Sport: ITN/Libra Television for Channel 4: First Edition: Racism In Football.

Broadcaster of the Year: GMTV

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