The handling of the media by Grampian Police's PR team during the trial of convicted murderer Nat Fraser has earned them a top award.

The force won the top prize at the Scottish PR Awards in the crisis management category for the way it handled intense media interest up to and during the trial of Fraser, an Elgin businessman who was sentenced to life after being found guilty of murdering his wife Arlene.

The awards event was organised by the Institute of Public Relations in conjunction with the media magazine, The Drum.

IPR Scotland chairman Jane Cumming said: "Media interest was intense and Grampian Police developed a strategy to ensure they received a positive and supportive image, irrespective of the verdict.

"Thorough preparation and planning, brilliant implementation, and a commitment to openness, which was unusual for a police force, guaranteed this project a place on the shortlist."

As well as building up strong links with Arlene's family, the force worked with the Crown Office to set up a website to brief journalists covering the story.

Winners and runners-up at the event covered every part of the PR industry, with nominees ranging from in-house communications teams and public bodies, to freelancers and consultancies.

NHS Grampian won a bronze award for its campaign to tackle the stigma of mental health.