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National news title unveiled as NCTJ awards sponsor

The National Council for the Training of Journalists has unveiled a national news title as the headline sponsor for its Awards for Excellence.

The NCTJ has announced The Independent will be sponsoring the awards, which will be held in Sunderland next month.

Earlier this year Independent executive editor Will Gore joined the NCTJ to manage the Facebook-funded community news reporting project, which has created more than 80 regional journalism jobs.

The organisation says it has received a record number of award entries this year, and shortlisted candidates will be announced on Monday 21 October.

The winners at last year's awards ceremony

The winners at last year’s awards ceremony

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “We’re absolutely delighted that The Independent is supporting the Awards for Excellence. As an innovative news brand which has made the transition from print to digital, yet kept quality at the heart of its editorial output, it is the ideal partner for this celebration of high class journalism.

“Indeed, The Independent’s recent launch of Independent Premium is the kind of development which should excite all young journalists.

“With quality training at the heart of the NCTJ, these awards give those with the skills, determination and resilience needed to forge a successful career in journalism the recognition they deserve.

“We’re looking forward to being joined by The Independent at the ceremony, which is a real highlight in the NCTJ calendar.”

Katrina Broster, head of marketing at The Independent, added: “We are really pleased to be the headline sponsor at this year’s Awards for Excellence and to join together to celebrate the hard work and achievements of many current and aspiring journalists.”