Six regional sports journalists will battle it out to win a prize as part of a prestigious national awards ceremony.

They will compete to be named the best regional writer at the British Sports Journalism Awards, which are now in their 34th year.

On the shortlist for the award is Mathew Beard from the London Evening Standard, Phillip Buckingham from the Hull Daily Mail, Jon Colman from Cumbrian Newspapers, Amanda Little from the Carlisle-based News & Star and the Cumberland News, Delme Parfitt from Media Wales and Martin Smith from Sheffield daily The Star.

The awards are organised by the Sports Journalists’ Association and the ceremony, which also recognises writers and photographers from the national press and agencies, will be held in London on 7 March.

At last year’s event, freelance Mike Aitken, formerly of The Scotsman, won the regional writer accolade.

Former England captain Mike Atherton has been nominated for three awards – the sports broadcaster, sports columnist and specialist correspondent – for his roles with The Times and Sky TV.