The winners of a county-wide media awards scheme have been named after a record number of entries.

Prizes for the 2024 Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2024 were handed out in a ceremony at Canterbury on Friday hosted by BBC news presenter Martine Croxall, pictured.

Now in its 10th year, the not-for-profit event organised by Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim aim to recognise and reward the media’s commitment to serving local communities.

Iliffe Media’s KentOnline was named news website of the year while the Folkestone and Hythe Express won the newspaper of the year prize.

Maxim Director Rachel Knight said: “This year’s awards – which took place a little later than usual due to the General Election – demonstrate that the standard of journalism continues to be strong in Kent.

“Congratulations to everyone who attended the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2024, and to the worthy winners.

“We also need to thank the generous sponsors, who recognise the important role that the press plays in our communities. As KPBA is a not-for-profit event, we really couldn’t run these awards without them.

“And last but definitely not least, these awards wouldn’t have been possible without our judges who give up their free time and we are grateful for their support.”

The full list of winners was as follows:

Broadcast Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Le Shuttle: Christine Alsford, ITV News Meridian

Broadcast Presenter of the Year, sponsored by CPL Films: Claudia Sermbezis, BBC South East

Designer of the Year, supported by charity partner The Leas Lift: Rhodri Andrews, KMTV

Feature Journalist of the Year (Broadcast), sponsored by Shepherd Neame: Jo Burn, BBC Radio Kent

Journalist of the Year (Print & Online), sponsored by MHA: Megan Carr, Sittingbourne News / Sheerness Times Guardian

Investigation of the Year: Kit Bradshaw, ITV News Meridian

Magazine of the Year, sponsored by Stagecoach South East: Broadstairs Beacon / Folkestone Foghorn / Margate Mercury / Whitstable Whistler

Making it Happen Award, sponsored by Gallagher Group: Toby Winson, ITV News Meridian

New Journalist of the Year, sponsored by East Kent Colleges Group: Abby Hook, KMTV

News Website of the Year, sponsored by Port of Dover: KentOnline

Newspaper of the Year: Folkestone & Hythe Express

Print & Online Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Caxtons: Millie Bowles, Kentish Gazette Series / Thanet Extra / KentOnline

Programme of the Year: The Huddle, BBC Radio Kent

Story of the Year, sponsored by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce: Ruth Cassidy, KentOnline / Kentish Gazette Series

The Neil Bell Kent Sports Journalist of the Year, supported by Kent Cricket: James Dunn, BBC South East

Kent Voices Award, supported by charity partner Demelza: Brightside Publishing, Clare Freeman