A former Regional Press Awards winner has been nominated for an international award because of the courage she has displayed in the face of threats to her and her family.

Patricia Devlin has been shortlisted for the Prize for Courage at the Reporters Without Borders 2021 Press Freedom Awards.

Belfast-based Patricia, who won the News Reporter of the Year and the Scoop of the Year titles at the 2014 Regional Press Awards, has previously opened up on numerous threats she received while working for Sunday World – including one of rape against her then-newborn son.

Her complaint against the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s response to the threat was upheld by the Police Ombudsman last month.

Journalists in China, Myanmar and Nicaragua have also been nominated for the prize.

Patricia, pictured, posted on Twitter: “Stunned to find out I’ve been nominated for a courage award in the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Awards alongside some very brave and inspirational journalists.

“To even be shortlisted is a privilege.”

The winner of the award will be announced on Thursday.