The editor of the Stroud News is making the headlines herself – having won a top award.

Stephanie Preece was named Editor of the Year at the Newsquest Excellence Awards.

Stephanie, who took over as editor of the Stroud News and Journal as well as the Worcester News in May last year, was presented with her award by Henry Faure Walker, CEO at Newsquest – publishers of the Stroud News.

Speaking after the awards, Mr Faure Walker said: “Her first year in the Editor’s seat based in Worcester has been trail blazing. Web traffic has soared, with the Worcester News consistently one of the best performing Newsquest websites. Coupled with that, she and her team have embraced new ways of working, including the adoption of auto publishing, whilst maintaining strong newspaper sales volumes.”

Runner up in the category was Brian Hossack editor of the Greenock Telegraph and The Largs and Millport News.

Stephanie said: “This award is testament to the enormous hard work and talent of our reporting team. I could not be prouder to be the editor of the Stroud News or to work with such a dedicated team of journalists.

“Local journalism continues to be the most exciting, challenging and rewarding job in the world and I count myself very lucky to have this role.”

There was also success for the commercial team behind the Stroud News and its sister titles which picked up runners-up awards for Sales Team of the Year and Sales Person of the Year (Andy Preece).