A regional daily health editor is competing against five national newspaper rivals after being shortlisted for an award recognising excellence in mental health reporting.

Barry Nelson of The Northern Echo, has been shortlisted for the Mind Journalist of the Year award, which is now in its 17th year.

He has written on topics ranging from stigma and PTSD to the use of art therapy as a treatment.

Judges said he showed the many ways in which mental health can affect people’s lives, both directly and indirectly.

Barry said: “I am still slightly amazed at finding myself as the only representative of the regional press on the list. What was really nice was that I was nominated by a reader.”

Also nominated was Dr Max Pemberton, who writes columns for the London Evening Standard and the Daily Telegraph, and journalists from the Times, Times Educational Supplement, Guardian, Independent and British Medical Association News.

The winner will be announced on 8 July at a ceremony in London, where the result of the Mind Student Journalist of the Year will also be revealed.

The shortlist for that award is: Jennie Agg, Student direct Mancunion, University of Manchester, Daniella Graham, Gairrhydd, Cardiff University, Laura Mackenzie, Leeds Student, Leeds University and Adam Walmesley, Exepose, University of Exeter.