The Western Morning News has been voted Britain’s best rural newspaper.

It was crowned Rural Newspaper of the Year at the National Farmers’ Union’s Countryside Awards for Excellence, after being nominated by a reader.

The award was presented to editor Barrie Williams (below) at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon in Warwickshire.

BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull, who hosted the gala awards ceremony, praised the many strengths of the WMN.

He said: “The Western Morning News is not afraid to address any rural concerns.

“It offers a balanced view and considers both sides of the argument. It runs local campaigns, for example on the pros and cons of wind farms, and remains editorially unbiased. This makes it a paper to be trusted.

“Judges chose this paper not just for the sheer volume of rural and farming stories but for its fine quality and the fact that the editorial team is not frightened to confront difficult and sensitive issues.

“In addition, they have run a series of thought-provoking, campaigning articles, such as stopping the return of live exports.”

Barrie said: “This award was especially rewarding and pleasing because we were nominated by a reader.

“It was also great to have our contributions to the issues surrounding the countryside recognised nationally.”

Also shortlisted for the Rural Newspaper of the Year title was the East Anglian Daily Times and Staffordshire’s Local Life in the Moorlands.

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