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Sailor turned journalist returns to naval roots to win top trainee prize

A former Royal Navy officer who switched to journalism at the age of 30 returned to his seafaring roots to be named the year’s top trainee.

Chris Humphreys was awarded the trainee news journalist of the year prize at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence at the Submarine Museum in Gosport.

Chris, pictured below with his award, served in the Royal Navy for four years on board HMS Albion, HMS Clyde and HMS Mersey before changing course for a career in journalism.

The 31-year-old has now been a trainee reporter at the Swindon Advertiser for nine months.

Swindon Advertiser trainee Chris Humphreys with his award
Advertiser editor Gary Lawrence said: “It is a huge testament to Chris’ commitment to becoming a journalist that he went back to square one as a trainee and he has been excellent for us since he joined.

“He has thrown himself into the role as our local authority reporter and brought great maturity and diligence to the job. I’m so pleased he has won this award, it is ample reward for the work he has put in.”

Managing director Chris Moore added: “Chris is part of a tremendous team at Swindon and I am delighted his hard work has been rewarded.

“We always find it rewarding to see our trainee journalists developing. We’re very proud of Chris.”

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  • November 26, 2016 at 9:41 am
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    I’D like to read his views on pay in regional newspapers after a life on the ocean wave. Is he ready to rock the boat?
    Well done on the award.

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  • November 28, 2016 at 3:28 pm
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    Congratulations, takes a lot of courage to change your career!

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