Freelance journalist Billy Briggs, who covers human rights issues, has been awarded first prize in a journalism competition to promote diversity.

Nominated for the national EU "Diversity Against Discrimination" Journalist Award, his article 'Pursued by Prejudice' impressed a panel of judges who praised his writing and research skills.

Originally published in Scotland on Sunday in August, the article looks closely at the discrimination that travelling Roma people face in Scotland and across Europe.

The jury panel, made up of a select group of professional journalists and specialists in the subject of discrimination and diversity, said in a statement: "The jury was impressed by the relevance of the article to the campaign, the quality of writing and the obvious lengths the author had gone to in researching the piece.

"Jury members felt that it provides a timely and in-depth account of the discrimination that Roma people face both in Scotland and across Europe.

"They also felt that it explores, in an honest manner, a subject matter that is often misrepresented in the media and the public domain."

The contest was part of the European Commission's drive to honour journalists who write about discrimination and diversity.

Billy's entry was voted the best out of a shortlist of 28 nominees.

He is now hoping for further success as he sees his article entered into the EU-wide stage of the competition that will feature winning articles from all 27 European Union member states.

The awards ceremony will be held in Lisbon next month and attended by Vladimir Spidla, commissioner, and DG for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

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