A financial reporter has won a top national award for his work in the regional press – with judges praising his “sharp eye for detail and vivid writing”.

Peter Ranscombe has won Journalist of the Year in the UK nations and regions at the annual Wincott Foundation Awards.

Freelance Peter, pictured, is a former business reporter at The Scotsman and has also edited business magazine BQ Scotland.

He received the honour for work he has undertaken for Aberdeen’s Press & Journal at a ceremony last week.

Peter told HTFP: “Being a freelancer can be a lonely experience sometimes and so it was great to spend time with fellow journalists – I was gobsmacked to come away with an award too.

“The judges were incredibly encouraging and affirming about my writing – and my kilt – and so the whole process has given me a real boost.

“Congratulations to my fellow finalists, and to Martin Lewis’ ITV/STV/UTV team, who won the personal finance category.”

Former Manchester Evening News journalist Jennifer Williams, who is now Northern correspondent at the Financial Times, was also shortlisted along with Scott Wright, of the Glasgow Herald, and Lauren Phillips, who works for the Western Mail and Business Live Wales.