Newspaper staff are being given the chance to win cash prizes, with the launch of the Highland and Island Media Awards.

The annual competition is open to all journalists living and working in the northern half of Scotland, with prizes ranging from £100 to £500 for the winners.

Categories include reporter of the year, feature journalist of the year, sports writer of the year, and young journalist of the year, as well as the Barron Trophy for exceptional service to journalism.

The closing date for entries is Friday, December 20, and winners and those commended in each category will be invited to a Press Ball at the Newton Hotel, Nairn, on Friday, February 3.

For more details contact Fiona Mackay on 01456 450888.

Nominations for the Barron Trophy should be sent to Gordon Fyfe, 8 Raasay Road, Inverness IV2 3LR.