ACCRINGTON Observer reporter Vanessa Cornall triumphed at the North West Newspaper Awards.

Vanessa, 23, who has been with the paper since last July, received second place in the news reporter of the year category last Friday.

It was the first time the talented young reporter had been entered for an award and was delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist. A ceremony was held at Sellafield, Cumbria, where awards were presented by TV presenter Fiona Armstrong.

Vanessa, who received a cheque for £150 and a certificate, said: "I have had the opportunity to work on some high profile stories during my time at the Observer. The last year has been a learning curve and I couldn’t have done it without my colleagues."

Editor Mervyn Kay said: "To be taking on provincial daily journalists at that level, within a year of starting is exceptional."a