An imaginative and well-packaged newspaper is how judges described the Hull Daily Mail after it was crowned Yorkshire’s finest daily for the fifth time in six years.

The Northcliffe title took four awards at the 2008 Yorkshire Press Awards – Trainee of the Year, Sports Writer and Best Multil Platform News Package along with the top prize.

Editor John Meehan said: “We are delighted the quality of journalism at the Mail has been recognised once again at a major awards ceremony.

“We have an outstanding team of journalists who consistently prove they are among the best in the regional press. These awards are tribute to their hard work and professionalism.

“The Mail has always been at the heart of the community. The business has gone through some major changes in recent years and we now publish news in print, on the web and by mobile.

“We are very proud of our success but we are not complacent and will continue to innovate while at the same time pursuing our goal of giving a voice to local people, enriching lives and encouraging vibrant community spirit.”

The judges said: “The Mail is consistent in its approach. It is well-packaged and imaginative, with good links to the website. It is clear in its direction and has obvious good leadership.”

Adam Lovell was crowned Trainee Journalist of the Year with judges praising a portfolio which included an exclusive interview with Britain’s most dangerous prisoner, Charles Bronson.

Judges said he was a reporter who showed confidence and a good writing style and could be trusted with big stories.

Hull City FC reporter Phil Buckingham has been kept especially busy this year as the Tigers enjoy their first ever season in the top tier of English football.

The Sports Writer of the Year included in his entry an exclusive interview with goalkeeper Matt Duke about his battle with cancer.

The judges said: “A neat and lively writing style which captures the tension and drama in all the stories. He’s not just got an eye for the game but also has an eye for the human interest stories that lie behind the game.”

The Mail’s coverage of City’s historic trip to Wembley, where the team secured promotion, won it the Best Multi-platform News Package Award for the Mail’s combination of print, web and mobile news.

The judges called it an “imaginative package of real high quality”.

The triumphant Hull Daily Mail team