Malvern Gazette journalist Tarik Al Rasheed has been crowned reporter of the year at the NCTJ 2008 Awards for Excellence in Journalism.
Joining him in receiving a performance award from the training board was NCTJ photographer of the year Adam Gerrard of South West News Service (formerly of the Derby Evening Telegraph) and NCTJ student journalist of the year Jennifer Smith from the University of Sheffield.
All three young journalists were awarded for being the highest achieving students and trainees in NCTJ examinations
David Edwards, Al Rasheed’s editor at the Malvern Gazette, said: ‘We are delighted at Tarik’s success, he is a credit to the newspaper and a real asset to our team.
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“The exam has not lied, I am pleased to say that Tarik’s top marks are replicated in his work on the ground, which is exceptional.”
The winners were announced by NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher and Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger at the Society of Editors’ Conference in Bristol today, where 11 other trainee or student journalists were also recognised for their achievements.
Butcher said: ‘Excellence has always been at the heart of the NCTJ, and the students and trainees receiving awards today have shown they have what it takes to shine in this competitive industry, where the need for excellence is greater than ever. They are names to be watched.”
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Alan Rusbridger said: “They’ve all done extremely well to be here today, and I look forward to watching their careers progress.”
The judging panel included managing editor of the Guardian Chris Elliott an Bob Satchwell, executive director of the Society of Editors.
The full list of winners
News Reporter of the Year
Student Naomi Loomes, City College Brighton & Hove
Trainee Tessa Youens, Gravesend Messenger
Sports Reporter of the Year
Student Steve Jones, News Associates/Sportsbeat Manchester
Trainee Jonathan Jurejko, Doncaster Free Press
Scoop of the Year
Student Steven Kelly, Brighton Journalist Works and Delia Monk, Lambeth College
Trainee Ben Frampton, South Wales Argus
Feature Writer of the Year
Student Paul Prowse, Nottingham Trent University
Trainee Kelly Shorrock, Derby Evening Telegraph
Images of the Year
Student Micha Theiner, Sheffield College
Trainee Katherine Burnett, Derby Evening Telegraph
Performance award winners – awarded to the highest achieving students and trainees in NCTJ examinations
NCTJ Student Journalist of the Year
Jennifer Smith, University of Sheffield
NCTJ Photographer of the Year
Adam Gerrard, South West News Service, formerly of the Derby Evening Telegraph
NCTJ Reporter of the Year
Tarik Al Rasheed, Malvern Gazette
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