IRISH News journalists have been recognised for their work at the Regional Press Awards in London.
Brendan Hughes was named social media journalist of the year, while Cahair O'Kane was awarded the daily/Sunday sports journalist accolade at the awards ceremony yesterday.
The event, which recognises the best regional and local journalism across Britain and Northern Ireland, was attended by more than 400 editors, writers and columnists.
It is regarded as the most prestigious event in the regional press calendar where the "quality, diversity and success of regional and local journalism" is celebrated.
The award for social media journalist of the year saw the judges looking for an individual who "regularly uses social media to enhance the public's awareness of their own work and that of their publication/ website".
They also said they were looking for an entry showing "imagination, technical awareness and flair to use the medium to full effect".
Awarding Brendan Hughes with the accolade, the judges said there was "excellent evidence by Hughes of using social media to develop storytelling - finding the rainbow flag moment made that story for the online audience.
"Good to see Twitter being used for follow-ups."
Sports writers Cahair O'Kane and Neil Loughran were among six reporters short-listed for daily/Sunday sports journalist of the year.
Awarding Cahair with the prize, the judges praised his "very impressive journalism".
"A brilliant and vivid choice of entries reflecting lives over the years in Ireland - death, love, politics, the Troubles - and how sport can transcend them," they said.
Also praising Neil, who scooped the same award last year, the judges said: "At a time when access to our top 'stars' is being squeezed further and further, Loughran proved that it is still possible to find really great sports stories out there.
"His work shows variety, originality and depth."
