Online investment by local newspaper groups was recognised at the Newspaper Society’s Digital Media Awards, where web innovation shared the stage with the annual advertising awards.

Entries to web categories were strong with a variety of publishers both large and small represented.

The awards were announced by Jim Marshall, chairman of Starcom MediaVest Group in the UK, and presented by Russell Whitehair, NS president.

The Newbury Weekly News and the Hull Daily Mail were among the big winners, each topping their section.

The digital prizes were:

Newspaper Website of the Year

GOLD Newbury Weekly News
www.newburytoday.co.uk
SILVER Manchester Evening News
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
BRONZE Hull Daily Mail
www.thisishull.co.uk

Niche Website of the Year

GOLD Hull Daily Mail
www.hullvibe.co.uk
SILVER holdthefrontpage
www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk
BRONZE ncjMedia
nebusiness.co.uk

Web Design of the Year

GOLD Worcester News
Snowscape
SILVER Associated Northcliffe Digital
Lasting Tribute
BRONZE Western Morning News
Great South West Walk

Digital Innovation of the Year

GOLD Herald Express (Torbay)
Nigel Green – The Recruit
SILVER The Scotsman
Scotsman.com Commenting
BRONZE Eastbourne Herald
www.virtualmotorshoweastbourne.co.uk

Online Classified Section of the Year
GOLD Johnston Press Digital Publishing for Jobs Today
SILVER Johnston Press Digital Publishing
Property Today - Your Local Expert
BRONZE Belfast Telegraph
www.loadzajobs.co.uk