Two regional journalists are in the running to win an award described as “Britain’s most prestigious prize for political writing”.

Manchester Evening News politics and investigations editor Jennifer Williams and Archant investigations editor Tom Bristow have both been longlisted for this year’s Orwell Prize for Exposing Britain’s Social Evils.

Jennifer, who was nominated for the same award last year, has won credit for her investigation ‘The Truth About Hidden Homelessness’.

Tom, pictured, appears in the longlist for his probe into rogue landlords.

A total of 16 entries are vying for the prize, many of them journalists working for national organisations.

Tom told HTFP: “It’s fantastic that the work of regional journalists is being recognised at national awards.

“There are so many stories like this across the country which haven’t been told yet and, as has been shown time after time, only get told if journalists are given the time to leave the office.”

Jennifer posted on Twitter: “Really delighted to be longlisted for the Orwell Prize in the ‘exposing social evils’ category for the pieces last year on hidden homelessness, including rough sleeper deaths.

“Great to see other local press on there too, including Tom Bristow.”

The winner of the prize, worth £3,000, will be announced at a ceremony in June.