The winners of the annual awards for the best public affairs exams have been revealed.

Every year the National Council for the Training of Journalists hands out prizes to the best students taking its accredited local and central governments exams.

Both students sat their exams while studying the fast-track NCTJ Certificate in Journalism (Sub-editing) course at Brighton Journalist Works although neither of them has chosen to go into the newspaper industry following the course.

Nicola Corfield, 26, from Guildford, received the award and £250 cash for the local government exam taken during the 2008/09 academic year.

Nicola, who achieved a mark of 93pc, said: “I was really thrilled to receive this award.

“I’m just about to start a new job as an editorial assistant and I am sure an understanding of public policy will play a big part in my new role.”

The award and £250 prize for the best central government exam went to Nicola Newson, 33, from Brighton, who scored 95pc.

She said: “I’m delighted to receive this prize, I’m just about to start work in the House of Lords as a researcher, so obviously to have studied central government in depth will serve me very well.”

MD of Brighton Journalist Works Paula O’Shea said: “I am so thrilled that two of our students have won top prizes in these prestigious awards.

“These are two exceptional women who worked extremely hard and took full advantage of our top quality training.”

L-R: Nicola Newson, NCTJ chairman Kim Fletcher, Nicola Corfield and Paula O’Shea