A regional press photographer scored a hat-trick at an annual Scottish media awards by scooping three prizes.

Gary Anthony, from Scottish Provincial Press, walked away with three awards at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards, which were held on Friday.

He won prizes for the top shot, photographer of the year and Diageo journalist of the year prize at the annual press ball, which was held in Inverness and attended by more than 260 people.

Also recognised at the awards was Clive Dennier, a reporter from the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald who died while hillwalking in the Highlands, who was awarded the Barron Trophy recognise his contribution to journalism.

Clive, who went missing last March, was found dead two months later and it was announced in December that he would receive the lifetime achievement award posthumously.

The newspaper of the year prize was presented to the Stornoway Gazette and the Johnston Press title also won an award for the best use of digital media.

In a story about their win, editor Melinda Gillen said: “We are all absolutely delighted to have won the awards for Highlands and Islands Newspaper of the Year and best Use of Digital Media.

“It has been an exciting time for the Stornoway Gazette with the relaunch of the newspaper in May last year and our online audience growing every month.”

The press ball raised nearly £3,000 which will be divided between four charities – Alzheimer Scotland, Macmillan in Scotland, Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland and Highland Community Care Forum.

The full list of winners is:

Barron Trophy, for services to journalism: Clive Dennier

Bòrd na Gàidhlig Award for Best Gaelic Entry: Monster FM

Best use of Digital Media: Stornoway Gazette

Photographer of the Year: Gary Anthony, Scottish Provincial Press

Top Shot of the Year: Gary Anthony, Scottish Provincial Press

Young Journalist of the Year and the Alex Main Trophy: Alistair Walker – Fios

Sports Writer of the Year: Keith MacKenzie, West Highland Free Press

Reporter of the Year and the Jim Love Memorial Trophy: Ryan Taylor, Shetland Times

Top Story of the Year: Roger Hutchinson, West Highland Free Press – Raasay shooting rights

Feature Writer of the Year: Catriona MacPhee, Press and Journal.

Community Newspaper of the Year: Am Paipear, Uist

Newspaper of the Year: Stornoway Gazette

Diageo Journalist of the Year: Gary Anthony, Scottish Provincial Press