A regional press photographer crowned the country’s top trainee this week has been snapped by a national newspaper.

Hannah Kinver, who picked up her award at the Society of Editors’ conference on Monday, is now working three days a week at The Times after spells with the Western Telegraph and South Wales Evening Post.

The award is given to the best trainee photographer aiming to gain their National Certification Examination ‘senior’ status from the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Hannah was offered a contract with The Times after being shortlisted in the daily’s annual young photographer of the year competition last month – a prize she didn’t actually go on to win.

Hannah told the Western Telegraph: “I’m really delighted, it’s amazing. It’s something you always dream about. This is my ultimate job. Just to work there is fantastic.”

Referring to her NCTJ award, she added: “It’s nice to be recognised for all the hard work. I’m very pleased.”