Journalists across the UK are being encouraged to enter the NCTJ Awards for Excellence.

The awards recognise the achievements of talented individuals with promising journalism careers ahead of them.

The free enter annual awards are open to students, trainees and apprentices.

There are six categories covering news journalism, sports journalism, top scoop, features, podcasts and data journalism.

All shortlisted entrants will be invited to the ceremony, which will take place in March next year. Providers of NCTJ-accredited courses are asked to nominate the best student projects from the 2021-22 academic year.

Journalists who have been hired as part of the Community News Project will have the opportunity to be recognised for their exceptional work with the Community News Project award.

Other awards include the innovation of the year award, which encourages and recognises innovation in journalism education and training. There is also the equality, diversity and inclusion award.

And entries are also open for the NCTJ’s chairman’s award, which recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to high standards of journalism training.

Nominees are open to editors, teachers or anyone who has made a meaningful impact on the training of journalists.

The deadline for entries is Friday, 11 November at 5pm. Click here to find out more information.