JUST over 12 months ago the first copies of the Shaw and Crompton Correspondent were hitting the streets of the borough, bringing local news to local people.
Now after a busy year of hard work, the team behind the scenes is making the headlines themselves after coming away with two Highly Commended gongs at the O2 Media Awards North West.
The staff enjoyed an evening away from their desks and computers to travel to Chester Racecourse for the glittering ceremony on November 8.
And they were delighted to come away with a Highly Commended accolade in the Team (Print) of the Year category, with the Liverpool Echo crowned winners.
In addition, sister title the Stalybridge Correspondent scooped a Highly Commended award for Community Publication of the Year, with the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald named winners.
Praise from the judges included “they put to shame many larger publishers” and “given the size of the team and what they are generating, their nomination this year is a no-brainer.”
They added: “They know the value of community reporting and report on the things that matter in their villages and towns.”
Aimee Belmore, Editor-in-Chief at Local Communications, which produces Correspondent titles in Shaw and Crompton, Royton Mossley Correspondent and Stalybridge as well as the Saddleworth Independent, praised her hard-working team for their success.
She said: “Just a year after launching our papers, we’re over the moon to have been recognised at such a prestigious awards event.
“To even be shortlisted was a victory enough for us and proof of the hard work and fantastic products my team produce week in, week out.
“But to come away with two Highly Commended awards, especially considering the high calibre of others nominated, is overwhelming and we’re all delighted.
“Our papers are thriving and we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response from the community.
“Our small but dedicated team prides itself on delivering high quality, interesting and local news and really being a part of the areas and communities we cover.”
BBC Breakfast’s Louise Minchin hosted the ceremony which saw 26 individual and team honours awarded in front of 250 colleagues from print and broadcast organisations.
This year O2 presented the Rachael Bland Social Media Award in memory of the BBC North West Tonight and BBC Radio Five presenter who lost her fight against cancer in September.
Rachael’s husband Steve as he announced the inaugural winner as Sarah Hodgson of the Daily Post.