Entries will open on Friday for the Society of Editors Regional Press Awards for 2016, with three new categories up for grabs.

Regional newspapers and their journalists can register and enter the awards www.regionalpressawards.org.uk from 10am on Friday 3 February 2017 until the deadline on Friday 3 March.

The Awards, held in association with HoldtheFrontPage and the Press Association, aim to celebrate the best of British regional and local newspaper journalism in 2016.

New categories this year will recognise the Environment Journalist of the Year, Science and Health Journalist of the Year, and Student Journalist of the Year.

The awards will celebrate regional and local journalism in print or as part of a corresponding digital platform and will include the Making a Difference ~ People’s Choice public vote organised by Local Media Works for Local Newspaper Week.

The entry price has been pegged at £25 for the sixth successive year, with the student journalist category free to enter.

Shortlists will be published in mid-April with the awards ceremony and celebratory lunch taking place at the Marriott, Grosvenor Square hotel on Friday 19 May 2017.

Paul Horrocks, SoE President in 2007 and former editor of the Manchester Evening News will again chair the judges.

Said Paul:  “Once again the Society of Editors is proud to host the premier awards recognising the fantastic journalism produced in the regions.

“When you see the beaming smiles on the faces of the winners, you realise just how much these awards mean.

“They recognise the enormous contribution journalism makes to the fabric of the UK and to communities where journalists uncover issues which others would prefer remain hidden.”

Other awards sponsors include UK Power Networks, United Utilities, JTI, the IP Group, Asda, PCS, Gorkana, Google and Foot Anstey.