Peter Franzen, editor of the Eastern Daily Press since 1993, has been awarded the OBE in the New Year Honours list.

The award is for his services to journalism during his career.

In his 34 years with the company, he has held a number of senior posts, including executive editor of the EDP and editor of the Great Yarmouth Mercury.

Under his stewardship the paper has risen to become England's best-selling, regional morning newspaper, winning the title of Regional Newspaper of the Year and many other accolades, including Best Front Page of the Year and the Plain English Campaign media award.

In 1996, Peter led the paper's change in format from broadsheet to "compact" size, a move that has subsequently been followed by national broadsheet newspapers

And in September 1997 it was the first regional newspaper in the country to publish a Saturday colour magazine. This was followed in 1999 by a monthly glossy magazine.

Another first for the EDP under his editorship was differential pricing depending on the days of the week.

Peter, (57), said: “In the long and illustrious history of the Eastern Daily Press, I am thrilled and proud to be the first editor to be recognised in this way.

“It has been a privilege to lead such a strong team at the EDP.”

He paid tribute to colleagues, particularly deputy editor James Ruddy, who has led the EDP's fund-raising campaigns for Hope and Homes for Children.

Over more than a decade, hundreds of thousands of pounds donated by EDP readers has brought life-saving aid to youngsters in such diverse areas of the world as the former Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Romania and, most recently, the Sudan; and the Unicef appeal for tsunami victims.

Peter added: “The great thing about regional newspapers, unlike the national media, is that they can make a difference and put something back into the community, such as the We Care campaign.

“The EDP has been the focal point for harnessing the energy of the people of Norfolk, whether in raising funds for good causes or exerting political pressure for the benefit of the county.”

Peter is married with two grown up sons and enjoys gardening, squash and football, being a Spurs – and, of course, Norwich - fan.

He has a special interest in motoring and still writes on the subject.

Away from work, he also serves on the steering group for the Open Youth Venue at the former Barclays Bank, Norwich; is a member of the team establishing the Community Foundation under the guidance of the Bishop of Norwich; and is a director of The Exchange, a Government-funded organisation that helps introduce young people to the world of work.

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