20 January 2009

Former student triumph at awards ceremony

The Christmas presents came early for former journalism student Cherry Wilson who picked up two gongs at a ceremony recognising the brightest and best in British journalism.

Cherry, a reporter for the Rotherham Advertiser newspaper, notched up a double triumph at the Newspaper Society's Weekly Newspaper Awards which were held at the Marriott Hotel in Leeds on November 27.

The 23-year-old landed the silver award in the News Journalist of the Year in Paid-for Weekly Newspapers category and the bronze in the Feature Journalist of the Year section.

A delighted Cherry said: "I didn't expect to win anything so it was a fantastic surprise when I heard my name called out. To be recognised in the news and features categories was amazing. I was really pleased.

"I received excellent training while studying for my degree in journalism and believe that the skills I learnt while at university have helped me achieve the awards."

Cherry graduated with a first class honours degree in BA journalism studies at the University of Sheffield in 2006.

She went on to work for the Rotherham Advertiser and qualified as a senior reporter in July this year after passing her NCE examination.