Four journalists who all passed the spring 2005 NCE have also been singled out for special excellence awards for their work.

Danyelle

Danyelle Garside, a journalist on the Maldon & Burnham Standard won the Society of Editors' award for the best news interview.

The examiners said: "Danyelle's interview story was by far the most comprehensive and well written. She successfully incorporated all of the main points in the intro and presented a logical sequence of events in a lively news style.

"Her attention to detail and overall accuracy made the story a very superior read."

Sarah

Sarah Carless of the Gazette Series won the Esso award for producing the best speech story.

The examiners commented: "Sarah produced the almost perfect story – complete and accurate and written in an appealing style. It was a pleasure to read, from the positive intro and through the well structured text."

Lucy

Lucy Stephens from the York & County Press won the Ted Bottomley award, sponsored by the Midland News Association, for the best newspaper practice paper.

The examiners said: "Lucy combined flair, confidence and clarity of thought in a paper brimming with ideas and underpinned by a sure touch in the legal department."

Stephanie

The best logbook was submitted by Stephanie Hancock, a reporter on the East London Advertiser.

The examiners said: "A well-presented logbook containing a wide range of excellent stories clearly demonstrating the candidate's ability to cope competently with all the tasks required and more. A credit to herself and her newspaper."