THE work of Oxford Mail and Witney Gazette journalists has been recognised in this year's Regional Press Awards shortlist with four nominations.

The annual celebration of the best of British local newspaper journalism shines the spotlight on everything from specialist reporting and scoops to page design and social media.

Stuart Rust has been shortlisted for Weekly Reporter of the Year for his work on our sister paper the Witney Gazette.

The Mail's Mark Edwards is up for Sports Journalist of the Year, David Pritchard for Social Media Journalist of the Year and Bill Heine, who has been chronicling his terminal cancer diagnosis, for Columnist of the Year.

It follows success in last year's awards where the Mail’s Hannah Somerville was named Young Journalist of the Year, and we had six other nominations.

Chairman of judges Paul Horrocks said: “The depth and wide-ranging subjects displayed in the entries this year was excellent. Judges spent hours poring over the details, prompting lively debate which reflects the quality and passion of the regional and local press in the UK.

“As always, it was a difficult, but enjoyable task to separate so many outstanding, properly researched entries.

“The Society of Editors is delighted to be hosting these awards and raising a glass to the winners at the lunchtime event on May 18."