IT was success at the The British Academy of Film and Television Awards 2009 on Sunday night for former Warrington Guardian journalist John Ray.
John, who is now China correspondent for ITV News, was part of the News at Ten team who picked up the Bafta for the team's exclusive coverage of the devastating earthquake that shook the country last year.
Based in Bejing, John was unable to attend the event, but told the Warrington Guardian: "I once went to an awards ceremony and lost. I vowed never to attend another.
"Far better to stay away and win!"
John worked at the Warrington Guardian for two years from 1987. He covered the Birchwood area and specialised in business news.
He said that he had been saddened to read about the regional newspaper industry going through a tough time: "I am a firm believer in local and regional media," he said, adding that he hoped local newspapers would survive the advertising downturn to flourish in the future.
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