A journalism student has won a week’s work placement at the Daily Mail after gaining the best marks at his university in exams run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Tom Etherington was awarded the NCTJ Award at Teesside University’s journalism awards, which took place in Middlesbrough and he also won the prize for the best sports journalism portfolio.

The placement at the Mail is awarded to the student with the highest NCTJ pre-entry examination marks from the university’s accredited courses and it includes a return train fare to London.

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “It is great to see excellent NCTJ results being commended at Teesside University, and we are honoured to support this award. A work placement at the Daily Mail will be an outstanding opportunity for the winner of the NCTJ Award to apply their knowledge and skills.”

Other winners were Rebecca Greener for best news portfolio, Jamie Burton for campaigning journalist, Sam Howitt for blogger of the year, David Smith for the Teesside University award, Sarah Burns for lifestyle reporter, Jake Gauntley for entertainment reporter, Jordan Brough for highest academic grades, The Lazy Student Chef for website with the best commercial potential and Adam Hudson for Multimedia Journalist.

Prizes at the awards included placements at regional dailies The Northern Echo and Hartlepool Mail, along with the Daily Mirror, The Sun’s Fabulous magazine and Sky Tyne & Wear.

Tom is pictured receiving his award from Professor Gerda Roper, Dean of Teesside University’s School of Arts & Media.