Social workers have honoured a local democracy reporter with a national award for his coverage of their work.

Richard Youle has won the Mainstream Print News category at the British Association of Social Workers’ Social Work Journalism Awards 2023.

Richard, pictured, won the award for a story he wrote highlighting the millions of pounds spent on agency social workers in Wales.

He covers Swansea and Carmarthenshire for Wales Online under the BBC-funded scheme.

Richard said: “’I was very surprised to find out I’d been nominated, and then chuffed to win my category.

“Hopefully the awards will encourage more reporting on this subject and help people appreciate the scope of what social workers do.”

The finalists attended a special awards reception at BASW’s annual conference in Birmingham on 13 June.

Dr Ruth Allen, chief executive of BASW, said: “We are delighted to honour these journalists who have demonstrated such an outstanding understanding of social work.

“Being part of the judging panel makes you realise that there really is some great journalism out there and some fantastic journalists reporting on our sector.

“They deserve our recognition because we know social work is not an easy sector to report on. We hope other journalists will follow their lead – and we very much look forward to recognising more great journalists the future.

“Entries for the 2024 BASW Social Work Journalism Awards are now open.”