The annual Regional Press Awards lunch, due to take place in early June, has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus emergency. 

The event, planned to be held at the IET building in central London on June 5, is organised each year by the Society of Editors.

This year’s awards have attracted near record entries and judging has already begun.

The awards event itself will now take place later in the year at a date to be confirmed.

Executive Director of the Society Ian Murray said it was the sensible decision to make at this time.

“Although the awards lunch was not scheduled to take place for a couple of months, it is unlikely the current restrictions set in place due to the Covid-19 virus will be fully lifted by then. Certainly we could not expect regional papers and their staff to book tables for the lunch during the current uncertain times.

“The awards will take place later in the year as the Society is determined to ensure that the fantastic work undertaken by journalists working in the UK regional press does not go unrecognised.”

A shortlist of those nominated for the awards will be published in the spring when it is hoped to be able to announce further details of the rescheduled awards event.