IT'S official - The Stourbridge News is among the best weekly newspapers in Britain according to judges in a top national awards event.

The News has been shortlisted in the Weekly Newspaper (with a circulation greater than 15,000) category at Regional Press Awards run by the Society of Editors.

There are six papers on the shortlist including titles from London, the north west, Kent and our sister paper The Hereford Times.

Stourbridge News assistant editor, Pete Wallace, said: "It is a fantastic achievement for the team to be shortlisted for this award and shows how their skill and dedication contributes to an outstanding local paper.

"At a time when there are so many different ways for people to get information it is important that professional journalists, producing news that readers can trust, are recognised for the vital work they do."

The winner will be announced on Friday May 18 at a glitzy ceremony in London hosted by Nick Ferrari.