At a packed EDF East of England Media Awards ceremony on Thursday February 3, which celebrates the best that press and broadcast journalism has across the region, the Brentwood Gazette saw off the cream of local newspapers to claim the coveted title – which has been held by the Essex Chronicle for the past three years.
Speaking at the event, new Brentwood Gazette editor Neville Wilson said: "My congratulations go to our reporters for their hard work and to our former editor Deanne Blaylock for the magnificent standard she set."
Prior to the team collecting their trophy, the judges explained what sets the Brentwood Gazette apart from the rest.
They said: "From hard-hitting stories to pages of community news, the Brentwood Gazette really is a comprehensive low-down of Brentwood life.
"Its pages were busy and pleasing to the eye. Readers' contributions were also impressive.
"Strong front page exclusives, a high news count, and good entertainment and sports sections too."
Brentwood & Ongar MP, Eric Pickles, saluted the Gazette team.
He said: "My congratulations to the Gazette. They are part of our community make-up and I think they now deserve an extra glass of Tizer on a Friday."
Also called to the stage was Brentwood Gazette reporter Iain Johnson, who picked up the Newcomer of the Year award.
Iain joined our team in February 2010 and was commended by judges for his breaking news stories over the past year, which included an in-depth interview with Bishop Michael Reid and an exclusive story of how three illegal immigrants entered the country on an Ingatestone junior school bus.
They added: "Iain Johnson of The Brentwood Gazette stepped into journalism after 10 years in market research. The judges really liked his writing style – a nice tone, strong stories."
