A regional daily won praise for its campaigning as journalists met for a press club’s annual Christmas lunch.

The Liverpool Echo was recognised for its work in recent months at the event, held by the Liverpool Press Club.

The Echo was highlighted in particular for its work to stamp out gun violence in the wake of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, as well as its successful backing for the bid to bring the Eurovision song contest to its patch.

Ken Bennett, North West regional chairman of the Society of Editors, was master of ceremonies at the lunch.

He said: “The past two years have been historic and a time of deep personal self-examination, with many of us having lost family, friends and colleagues whose memories are enshrined in silent reflection.

“Alongside this, the media has shared and recorded unfolding events on an unprecedented scale – from the tragic death of The Queen, to chaos in Government and the horrors of Ukraine caught up in a mindless war.

“Locally, the Liverpool Echo touched the community’s collective consciousness when a young girl was shot dead at her home in the city. Their page one headline asked: ‘Whose side are you on?’ The question set the benchmark for nationwide coverage of the tragedy.

“As a counterpoint, there is pride and elation Liverpool is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine next year.”

Liverpool-based Ukrainian Roman Catholic priest Rev. Dr Taras Khomych said grace at the lunch, while the club also made a donation to help Ukraine refugees living in the city.

Liverpool-born Daily Mail columnist Bel Mooney was guest speaker at the dinner.

It was also attended by Lady Ann Dodd, widow of comedian Ken Dodd, and music legend Peter Waterman OBE, who began his career in the city.

Daily Mail northern correspondent Liz Hull, who is the club’s new president, said: “I was delighted to be asked to be president of the club this year and that there was such a great turnout for the annual Christmas lunch after the hiatus forced upon us by the pandemic.

“On a personal level it was great to see and catch up with so many of those who have influenced my career, from when I started as a cub reporter on the Liverpool Echo and over the past 20 years on the Mail.

“Liverpool Press Club is celebrating its 139th year and, as one of the oldest and well-attended press clubs in the country, we hope it will continue to go from strength to strength.”