A regional daily journalist with “exceptional writing and investigation skills” has won an award for her logbook.

Rachael Burnett from the Dorset Echo won the Newsquest Award for her “outstanding” logbook as part of the National Qualification in Journalism, receiving a prize of £250.

The judges said Rachael was “obviously a highly competent member of the newsroom at the Dorset Echo” and praised her for her front page leads.

They said: “Her outstanding logbook demonstrates she is an ‘all-rounder’ with exceptional writing and investigative skills. The examiners advise that she keep up the brilliant front page leads!”

Rachael said: “I’m over the moon to have been awarded best logbook, it was totally unexpected. I’m really lucky that I’ve been given the chance to cover a lot of top stories on my paper.

“The Dorset Echo is a great paper for trainee reporters and this shows in the success my colleagues and I have achieved in the NQJ.”

Rachael was one of four winners recognised by the National Council for the Training of Journalists for their performance in the July exams, which saw fifty journalists achieve senior status.

Other prize winners for the best exam papers were Helen Barnett of the Harwich & Manningtree Standard, Janine Rasiah of the Henley Standard and Duncan Leatherdale of The Northern Echo, with each of them awarded £250.

Helen was presented with the Ted Bottomley Award, which is sponsored by Midland News Association, for her Media Law and Practice exam paper.

Judges said her answers showed an “excellent grasp of the law” and were given in a succinct style which avoided “waffle”.

They said: “By simply explaining the legal issues and applying them to the question in a practical way, she impressed in a way that demonstrated authority and understanding in areas of law and ethics.”

Janine won the Esso Award for her News Report and judges praised her for copy which “inspires confidence in her ability as a reporter” and said she had accurately reported the situation with all the key points covered.

They said: “She used strong quotes which again were accurately reported to enhance her story. Her calm and concise writing style made her story flow logically for the reader. In part B the ideas were realistic and detailed and put into context.”

Duncan was presented with the Society of Editors’ Award for his news interview and was praised for copy which told the story of an abduction well.

The judges said: “Duncan told the story well, with a good chronology, taking the reader through the drama of the abduction. His copy was clean, accurate and contained practically all the must-have information.”

Duncan said: “This is incredible news, thanks so much, I had no idea I was even in the running! Gobsmacked doesn’t even begin to cover it.”