A prestigious annual award scheme for weekly newspaper papers across the UK is now open.

The criteria booklet and entry form for the Newspaper Society’s Weekly Newspaper Awards is now online and ready for entries.

There are 32 categories for both editorial and advertising initiatives including regional awards for free and paid-for newspapers.

Among the big winners last year were the Tamworth Herald (paid) and Kent on Sunday (Free) which won the two Newspaper of the Year titles while the Newbury Weekly News took Website of the Year.

All work must have been published between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2008.

The deadline for nominations is October 10 and the awards ceremony is on November 27 in Leeds.

Visit the Newspaper Society website for the full list of categories, criteria booklet and application form.