A regional daily journalist has been recognised with a special award for promoting architectural heritage on his paper’s patch.

Liverpool Echo reporter Peter Elson received the David Stewart Award as part of Merseyside Civic Society’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

The awards are part of the society’s anniversary programme to reflect its activities and to commemorate three of its former leading members – Prof Quentin Hughes (ex-chairman); David Stewart (ex-treasurer) and Prof Tony Bradshaw, (ex-chairman of the structure plan panel).

Peter, who has worked for the Liverpool Echo for 17 years, said he felt flattered to receive the award.

The Echo's Peter Elson, centre, with the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Ian Meadows, left, and David Massey, from the Merseyside Civic Society

“I feel very privileged and honoured to have won, I think it is the first time that the society has handed out awards to people instead of places,” he told HTFP.

“The subject is something I feel very strongly about, I believe we really have to look after our towns and cities.”

Peter had written several articles for the Echo’s Stop The Rot campaign which aimed to regenerate derelict buildings across the region.

He is now hoping to launch another Stop the Rot campaign in the near future following the success of the original project.

David Massey, society awards administrator, told the Liverpool Echo: “I am delighted to say we have granted Peter the award for his promotion of renewed public interest and involvement in the heritage and character of the city region through publications and the media.”

The awards take the form of a framed certificate designed by society members, Trevor Skempton and Felicity Wren.

It was one of three David Stewart Awards being presented with the other two granted to Reg Yorke and Formby Civic Society and to Florence Gersten, veteran Save Our City campaigner.