Regional newspapers across the UK are invited to enter an awards scheme which recognises excellence in news media production.

Entries are now open for the 2011 Newspaper Awards which celebrate the best of the regional and national press in 20 categories, with a ceremony due to be held in May.

The categories open to the local press include the Regional Newspaper of the Year, Weekly Newspaper of the Year, Weekend Newspaper of the Year and Regional Supplement/Magazine of the Year.

And a new category has been launched this year to recognise the best Newspaper App of the Year.

Gary Cullum, director of the Newspaper Awards, says: “It may have been one of the most challenging years the industry has had to face but it was also a year when the power and influence of the media came to the fore.

“The 2011 Newspaper Awards will give the industry the chance to celebrate all that is good in the industry and provides a platform to a highly successful new decade.”

The closing date for entries is 18 March and the winners will be announced on 24 May at an awards dinner held at the London Hilton.

For further information and entry forms, visit newspaperawards.co.uk.