Aweekly journalist’s outstanding coverage of his local sporting community has earned him a top award

Bridlington Free Press sports editor John Edwards beat off five others to be named best northern sports journalist at the MBNA Northern Sports Awards held at Old Trafford cricket ground.

He and colleagues from the newspaper joined high profile sports stars who also received awards. Olympic heptathlete Jessica Ennis took sportswoman of the year and FA Cup winners Manchester City were named team of the year.

Judges praised the Johnston Press weekly newspaper for its outstanding coverage of the local sporting community.

Said John: “It is a great honour to bring this award back to Bridlington. I was absolutely thrilled and very proud when the result was announced.

“Although my name is on the trophy, it is a reward for the Free Press sports team, including my colleague Cyril Skinner, our dedicated and enthusiastic photographers, and everyone who regularly sends in reports and results.

John Edwards receives his award from Chris Bird from sponsors Bird Consultancy

“They give us the tools to produce the pages we do, week in week out, and it is fantastic that we have received recognition alongside such big names from the world of sport.”

“We were up against much bigger media organisations – regional TV reporters and daily newspaper journalists – but sport is all about the underdog having a chance.”

“When we sent our nomination, we said that because we have no professional clubs on our doorstep, our aim is to provide Premier League standard coverage to grass roots teams.”

Around 400 people attended the ceremony, which was hosted by snooker star Willie Thorne with guests including Darren Gough and rugby league international Jon Wilkin.