THE Lancashire Evening Telegraph has recorded its most successful ever performance at a major British newspaper industry awards night.

In the editorial section of the Newsquest Awards the Lancashire Evening Telegraph won three of a possible seven titles - an unprecedented success for the newspaper.

The Telegraph also picked up awards in the newspaper sales and distribution areas of its business at a glittering ceremony in Warwickshire.

Newsquest is the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's parent company and publishes more than 300 titles across Britain including 17 daily newspapers.

Editor Kevin Young said: "This is a truly outstanding achievement and a real tribute to the talent and hard work of our staff. It's particularly pleasing to be recognised in such a high class independently-judged set of awards.

"Our performance in the sports writer section is especially gratifying as we took first and second in a category open to hundreds of journalists throughout the country."

In the Sports Reporter of the Year category Andy Neild won the title, his second success in three years, and Suzanne Geldard was highly commended.

Andy's portfolio, which included a series on Blackburn Rovers' Tony Parkes and feature on Carl Fogarty, was described by judges as "brilliant" and a "hugely impressive body of work" while Suzanne's series on Burnley legend Andy Payton was referred to as "a cracking read."

Sports Editor Paul Plunkett was commended in the Daily Newspaper Designer of the Year section, a category which he won last year.

Clive Lawrence was named as Daily Photographer of the Year - after being runner up last year - for a "quality portfolio" with "strong news images" and Danny Brierley was Trainee Reporter of the Year.

Danny's entry included reports on the rise of the British National Party in Burnley and was described as "an impressive body of work" and "hard news at its best." Our Pride of East Lancashire campaign to celebrate all that is best in the region took the title of Best Brand Promotion for a Daily Newspaper and was described by judges as "outstanding." It was the second award the campaign has received this year.

Also receiving awards were Steve Critchley, Blackburn-based Regional Leaflet Sales and Distribution Manager for Newsquest North West and his Distribution Manager Sheila Donaghy.

His department won the title of Best Distribution Initiative for an in-house induction training scheme for area organisers and was highly commended for Standards of Performance.

Sheila Donaghy won the individual Endeavour Award which recognised her "superb performance" and proactive style as a manager who brought in some excellent new initiatives.