The success of The Northern Echo's switch to compact format has been highlighted with a national award.

The paper has been named Regional Newspaper of the Year by the National Federation of Retail Newsagents at a ceremony in London.

The award, sponsored by HSBC, was in recognition of The Northern Echo's support of the Federation and its independent retail members, the strong relationships developed between publisher and newsagents - and the increased sales success achieved following its decision to change from broadsheet to compact size.

Glyn Taylor, North-East president of the Federation, said: "I am particularly proud that this award has gone to The Northern Echo because it is a paper I read every day."

Patrick Masheder, newspaper sales manager for Newsquest North East, added: "Our sales development team has worked incredibly hard to build strong and productive relationships with newsagents and it was a great pleasure to be recognised with this national award."

Glyn Taylor and Colin Wills, NFRN operations manager, presenting the award to Paul Ketley, sales development manager for Newsquest North-East. Also pictured are Northern Echo editor Peter Barron and Newsquest North-East managing director David Coates