Express & Star is newspaper of the year

It was named daily/Sunday newspaper (above 25,000) at the Regional Press Awards for 2013, held in London yesterday.

In his speech to leading figures in the industry, editor Keith Harrison dedicated the win to all colleagues at the newspaper.

Mr Harrison told the audience at the Lancaster Hotel in London: "What a year for Wolverhampton. First, Wolves win the league and now this.

"I'd like to dedicate this award to everyone who works at the Express & Star, not just in editorial, and to say there's some really tough competition out there - so this is tremendous."

"I look at other regional papers and I do think this is the best regional press that any country could possibly have so that makes us even more proud."

The judges' citation for the award, which was the final accolade to be given out at the ceremony, read: "The winner continues to do what it excels at, great local journalism that fits the glove with readers.

"It gave them social networking before it became trendy and has excellent reader value. Detailed, insightful and informative, it boasts a strong, clear design and offers the readers something different every day."

Columnist Peter Rhodes,won the blog of the year award, with his work described by judges as a 'master class in blogging'.

Collecting the award on behalf of Peter, editor Keith Harrison said: "I'm sorry Peter can't be here today. I told him I would text him the result. He said: 'You'll be lucky. I don't even have a mobile phone.' Thanks for that, blogger of the year."

A delighted Peter said later: "It's really down to the readers, who help provide me with such wonderful material."