The weekend’s heavy snow forced the postponement of a major annual regional journalism awards ceremony on Saturday.

With the North-East of England lying under several inches of snow, organisers of the Tom Cordner North East Press Awards decided they had no option but to put off the event.

The 29th awards night had been scheduled to take place at the Customs House in South Shields, with more than 70 journalists in the final line-up for 16 trophies.

Awards Secretary Keith Seacroft said “We decided mid-morning on Saturday to postpone the evening presentation because of the weather. South Shields had already had several inches of snow and many people faced difficulties in travelling from all parts of the region.

“It is disappointing, but in the circumstances we thought it was the safe and sensible thing to do.

Everyone who has tickets should keep them – the event will be re-arranged for another time as soon as possible.”

The organising group spent Saturday contacting newsrooms, sponsors, judges and other guests to let them know about the postponement.

The full shortlist for the awards can be read here.