As Regional Press Award trophies continue to make their way around the country, we catch up with some of the winners who are celebrating this summer.

Although the coronavirus lockdown meant the awards were unable to be held in person this year, it is more vital than ever to celebrate the role of journalism. 

Today we meet two journalists who have shared their success. Harriet Clugston was one of the winners of Data Journalist of the Year. 

Judges praised the “detailed analytical work” and “outstanding investigative journalism” as hallmarks of Harriet’s work as a senior reporter for PA’s RADAR AI. 

“Whether looking at court delays in Shropshire, the jail time handed to people who cause death by dangerous driving across the West Midlands, or modern slavery in South Yorkshire, her stories demand good space in some of the biggest local and regional papers’ print editions”, Harriet’s award submission read.

Arrived home from a trip back up north to find my @RegPressAwards trophy waiting for me! Thanks @EditorsUK ! 😻🥂 pic.twitter.com/zzOSj7Y5rU

— Harriet Clugston (@HarrietClugston) July 29, 2020

It was announced over the weekend that Harriet (pictured above with her trophy) will be joining the JPIMedia data and investigations team as news editor. Harriet will be covering this role while the current incumbent Claire Wilde is on maternity leave, Behind Local News reports. 

Peter Grant, winner of Weekly Columnist of the Year, shared a photo celebrating his achievement.

Peter (pictured above) is a columnist for the weekly paper the Wirral Globe, whose column Inferno aims to bring some light relief and satire as well as some serious matter to complement the rest of the paper.

Judges said: “These columns were short snappy pieces which were easy to read and covered a wide range of topics, issues and subjects that would interest readers. Good local issues and good comment. Each column contained something for every reader.”

His submitted columns have humoured what could have occurred if Melvyn Bragg had ambitions of being Prime Minister, or the value of a guiding light to society such as Sir David Attenborough.

Keep sending in your pictures for the Society to create a virtual gallery.