Examiners marking the NCE were so impressed by one reporter’s logbook that his stories could be used as an example to trainees.

Daniel John Sanderson of the Scarborough Evening News received the Newsquest Award for his logbook which the examiners said was one of the best ever seen by the marking team.

He was one of four newly-qualified senior reporters that won an award for their exceptional performance in the March set of exams.

The other winners were Emma Preston from the North West Evening Mail, Megan French from the Braintree and Witham Times and Dan Bloom from the Medway Messenger.

Speaking about Daniel’s logbook the judges said: “The logbook submitted by Daniel Sanderson is a true award winner as it is one of the best yet seen by the marking team.

“Each story proved to be an impressive and engaging read and the work was clearly merited highly and well valued by the Scarborough Evening News.

“So strong is this submission that a number of the key tasks may well be used to show students just what is expected as the stories are written with clarity and clearly fill the brief. Presentation was also very strong with this logbook – indeed there was no area where this work proved any less than excellent.”

Said Daniel: “To receive the award for the best logbook is a wonderful bonus and something I never expected.”

Emma Preston won the Ted Bottomley Award, sponsored by Midland News Association for her newspaper practice exam.

The examiners praised Emma’s paper, saying her part A answer, which covers law, had no grey areas and not only did she cover all the points correctly, she also explained them in a logical and easy-to-follow way.

Megan French won the Esso Award for her performance in the news report for her concise and logical report which demonstrated a clear understanding of the subject, and Dan Bloom won the Society of Editors’ Award for his news interview which examiners said captured the drama well and included plenty of ‘must have’ detail.

Said Dan: “I’m surprised and very honoured. Thanks to everyone I work with for keeping me focused and giving me tips – I guess the drinks are on me for a while.”

All the award winners receive a cheque for £250 and a certificate of achievement.