The Newham Recorder beat the nationals to an exclusive interview with boxing legend Frank Bruno following press reports that the star was on the verge of a personal breakdown.

Reporter Tracey Mullins, named Archant Journalist of the Year in 2002, secured the scoop after being approached by a friend of Bruno as "someone who could be trusted".

Despite being approached by the nationals, Bruno turned to the Recorder - a paper with which he has had a close relationship, once launching its annual toy appeal.

Bruno told Tracey (pictured with him, above) that although he had admitted himself to The Priory clinic in Chelmsford he was not suffering from depression.

He said: "I've never felt better. I've got everything I need and don't want for nothing.

"I did go to the Priory to chill out for a couple of days. I was over taxing myself - it was all work, work, work."

Recorder editor Colin Grainger said: "Tracey, as usual, did brilliantly. Shame it wasn't a month ago, otherwise she would have won the Journalist of the Year title again."