The 17th North West Newspaper Awards with prize money totalling £5,000 across seven categories is open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by Sellafield and organised through the North West Region of the Society of Editors, are given in recognition of the best journalists and newspapers throughout Cumbria, Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

The following categories will be rewarded:

News Reporter of the Year
Feature Writer of the Year
Sports Reporter of the Year
Photographer of the Year
Young Journalist of the Year
Daily Newspaper of the Year
Weekly Newspaper of the Year
Daily Newspaper Website of the Year
Weekly Newspaper of the Year

Prizes money includes £700 for the winners in each individual category, with £150 for each of the two runners-up, and trophies for the daily and weekly newspapers and the two website categories.

Chris Philipsborn, director of communications at Sellafield, said: “This competition has always been very popular with the best in north-west journalists – once again we are hoping for record entries. Good luck to all who enter.”

Two independent judges will nominate three entrants from each category. The nominees will be invited to a special presentation lunch in Cumbria on June 20 where the winners will be announced and receive their prize money and trophies.

Entry forms are now available from the editors of north-west daily and weekly newspapers or from Jeanette Stokes on 01925 832239. The closing date for entries is May 19.