An editor who launched his own local newspaper has been honoured by the business community of his patch.

Steve Sowden, who edits the Yeovil Press, has been made a Community Champion by the Somerset town’s Chamber of Commerce.

Steve, who has worked in the county for 32 years, launched the monthly Press in 2018.

The title currently has a print-run of up to 5,000 copies each month with a top pagination of 96 pages.

Steve, 50, was presented with his prize at The Yeovil Chamber Business Awards, which he covered in the November edition with a six-page feature.

He said: “I was shocked when I found out I had been nominated for the award when there are so many other people in the community who are far more deserving of such recognition than me.

“But to actually win the award was truly humbling and I was almost lost for words.

“I care deeply about Yeovil and what goes on in the town and if I can do some good just by highlighting in the paper certain things then so much the better.

“The awards dinner was a fantastic afternoon where local businesses and guests could get together and celebrate coming through what has been a truly difficult year for everyone.”