West Midlands journalists are being encouraged to shout about their successes of the past year and get their entries in for the West Midlands Media Awards.

After the successful launch of this year's competition, organisers are hoping the event will prove just as popular next time around.

Entries are now being accepted for the 2003/4 event, the final of which will be held at the ICC in Birmingham on April 22.

This year a re-jig of the awards has seen two new categories - Feature Writer of the Year and Magazine of the Year - introduced.

The Trevor Roberts Award, which was previously presented each year at the former BT Media Awards, has also been introduced to the competition.

The award - in memory of former Post and Mail picture editor Trevor Roberts, who died in 1991 - will be presented to the person considered to be the region's most promising photographer.

Prizes will also be handed out for the newspaper of the year; daily and weekly reporters of the year; news and sport photographers of the year; sports journalist of the year; business journalist of the year; newcomer of the year; scoop of the year and headline of the year.

Those attending next year's ceremony will also be able to vote for the person or organisation deemed to have been 'Irritant of the Year'.

Entries are now being accepted, and forms will shortly be sent out to all media organisations in the West Midlands. Alternatively, call 0121 212 0559 for an entry form.

The deadline for entries is January 16, 2004.