New categories including Most Memorable Story and Best Blogger have been introduced for this year’s O2 Media Awards North West.

Entries are now open for the annual contest with a total of 23 awards up for grabs.

Prizes will be awarded across a series of categories including News Reporter, Best Writer, Sports Journalist and Young Journalist.Daily Newspaper, Weekly Newspaper and Community Newspaper.

The awards remain free to enter and are open to all publishers, broadcasters and production teams operating within and across the North-West of England as well as the counties of Shropshire, Staffordshire, Flintshire and Denbighshire.

The winners at last year’s O2 Awards North West

Nicola Green, director of corporate affairs at O2 UK, said: “The North West continues to develop as a media hub, nationally and internationally and it’s important that the talent that’s operating in the region is recognised.

“These awards celebrate the work of the North West media – in all its forms – from ultra local community journalism through to contribution of those involved in TV programmes, originated in the region, but seen around the world.”

Deadline for entries is Thursday 3 August, with only work published or broadcast between July 2 2016 and July 3 2017 eligible for the individual and team categories.

All nominees will be invited to an awards presentation in Manchester on 9 November.

Entry forms are available by contacting Rossiter Media on 01829 741371 or by e-mail request to [email protected]

This year organisers are also asking journalists to nominate their favourite performer from a TV drama or entertainment programme either originated, produced or predominantly filmed in the North West. Nominations can be sent to the same email address.