A journalist who set up a new network for LGBTQ+ colleagues has been recognised for the initiative by the publisher she works for.

Oxford Mail digital reporter Sophie Perry has won the Inclusion & Diversity prize at the Newsquest Excellence Awards after launching the LGBTQ+ Journalism Network.

Sophie’s was among 13 awards handed out in a ceremony held by Newsquest at a dinner honouring its staff’s work during 2021.

Stephanie Preece, in her first year as editor of the Worcester News, was named editor of the year while Tom Seaward of the Swindon Advertiser/Ocford Maill, won the journalist of the year prize.

Newsquest chief executive Henry Faure Walker, pictured with Sophie, said “The awards give us an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the huge achievements and the depth of talent we are fortunate to have across the Newsquest business – and the phenomenal work they do.”

More than 70 people from across the company attended the ceremony at Rutland Hall Hotel, near Oakham, on Thursday.

The full list of winners is as follows:

Publishing Centre of the Year
Winner: Oxfordshire & Wiltshire
Runner-up: The Herald & Times, Glasgow

Editor of the Year
Winner: Stephanie Preece, Worcester News
Runner-up: Brian Hossack, Greenock Telegraph

News Brand of the Year
Winner: East Lothian Courier
Runner-up: Hampshire Chronicle

Journalist of the Year
Winner: Tom Seaward, Swindon Advertiser
Runner-up: Sophie May Clarke, Lancashire Telegraph

Sales Leader of the Year
Winner: David Ward, Glasgow
Runner-up: Tracy Hayden, South Coast

Sales Team of the Year
Winner: North West Inside Sales Team
Runner-up: Midlands South DAC Team

Sales Person of the Year
Winner: Jay Dominey, Southampton
Runner-up: Andrew Preece, Midlands South

Newspaper Sales
Winner: Debbie Hellaby
Runner-up: Chris Strong, North West

Customer Service
Winner: Bharat Lukka, London
Runner-up: Fiona Goldie, Cumbria

Unsung Hero
Winner: Wayne Impey, South East
Runner-up: Michelle Walton, Newsquest Digital

Spotlight
Winner: Mel Cooley, Sales Excellenve
Runner-up: Customer Contact Centre, Basildon

Inclusion & Diversity
Winner: Sophie Perry, Oxford Mail

Apprentice Trainee
Winner: Amy Shearer, Greenock Telegraph