HELENSBURGH Advertiser reporter Ross Hanvidge is among the prize winners as industry training body the National Council for the Training of Journalists announced its latest top exam performers.

Ross, who joined the Advertiser team in August 2018, won the award for the best e-logbook in the organisation's 2019-20 NQJ exams.

He was one of 59 candidates out of 84 who achieved the NQJ qualification – a pass rate of 70 per cent.

The exams' moderator said Ross's e-logbook 'gained high marks due to a number of impressive elements’.

The Glasgow Caledonian University graduate said: “I’m delighted – and shocked – to receive this award.

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“While it was obviously a huge relief to pass my NQJ, the logbook was very much a labour of love featuring real human-interest stories which were important to the communities I cover.

“I genuinely enjoy my job and feel very fortunate to have been given an opportunity in a tough industry.

“I’m looking forward to, hopefully, many more successful years in my role.”

As a result of passing his NQJ exams, Ross was promoted to the role of senior reporter in April 2020.

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Craig Borland, the Advertiser's content editor, said: "Ross is an integral part of the Advertiser team and is highly respected both by his colleagues and our audience.

"He put a huge amount of work into every aspect of his NQJ, but particularly his e-logbook, and I'm delighted to see that recognised with this award."

The e-logbook award is sponsored, coincidentally, by the Advertiser's publishers, Newsquest.

Other prize winners were Conor Matchett of the Edinburgh Evening News, who won the media law and ethics in practice award, sponsored by Reviewed & Cleared, and James Roberts of the Oxford Mail, who won the practical journalism skills prize, sponsored by Esso.

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Each winner receives a certificate and a prize of £750.

In the report published today, chief examiner Andy Martin said: “The coronavirus pandemic has brought immense challenges for everyone and that applies to trainee journalists most especially.

“So I would like to pay tribute to all those who undertook the NQJ in July and offer my congratulations to all those who achieved the qualification in 2019-20. The pass rate is a huge credit to their hard work and dedication.

“I also offer lots of encouragement to those who just missed out. Your time will come soon.”

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