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Regional journalist wins national sports writing award for the eighth time

Jon Colman newA regional journalist says he is “honoured and humbled” after winning a national sports writing award for the eighth time.

Jon Colman, of the Carlisle News & Star, triumphed in the regional sports journalist of the year category at last night’s Sports Journalists’ Association British Sports Journalism Awards.

Jon, pictured, was praised for his “enjoyable, engaging and insightful” submission by judges in clinching the honour.

Dafydd Pritchard, of BBC Sport Wales, won silver in the category, while two-time winner Neil Allen, of Portsmouth daily The News, took home bronze.

David Dubas-Fisher, of Reach plc, the Cambridge Independent’s Mark Taylor, and Phil Smith, of the Sunderland Echo, were also shortlisted.

Accepting the award, Jon said: “I’d just like to thank the judges, the SJA, my colleagues and the readers that put up with the gibberish I come out with most days.

“One person to thank more than anything is the person that puts up with the ridiculous lives we lead in this room, the places we go, the hours it puts in.

“I think our nearest and dearest put up with more than we could ever ask, so this is for my wife, Tess.”

Speaking HTFP this morning, Jon added: “It’s a huge honour, and I’m truly flattered and surprised to win, considering the quality of the other nominees and the great talent out there in regional sports journalism.

“Most of all I’d like to thank my wife Tess. Being a football reporter puts huge demands on your time and family life and I’m very lucky to have someone who not just puts up with it but encourages and supports me more than I could ever wish for.”