RUNCORN & Widnes World reporters proved they are the best of the best.

Two of our reporters scooped prizes at the prestigious Newsquest Cheshire/Merseyside newspaper awards on Thursday.

Nick Lakeman was named Sports Reporter of the Year for his work covering the Widnes Vikings and interviewing Runcorn boxer Robin Reid.

Meanwhile Stephen Bailey was named Journalist of the Year, Feature Writer of the Year, and was runner-up in the category for the best internet campaign.

Although Stephen now works for our sister paper, the Warrington Guardian, his awards were for his work on The World, including his brilliant expose of conman Colin Moore, who was jailed last month for two-and-a-half years.

Nick's sports portfolio was judged the best by Andy Dunn, Chief Sports Writer of The People newspaper.

Andy said of Nick's work: "An intimate working relationship with the area's premier club is what underpins the sports coverage of any local newspaper and this reporter clearly has one.

"But by developing that, a danger often emerges ... that the correspondent becomes a mouthpiece for the club.

"A PR man masquerading as a journalist.

"What caught the eye about the winner's portfolio was his willingness to risk the wrath of influential people at the club for the sake of a good, honest and revealing report.

"Told in an uncomplicated style, it was the standout piece amongst all the entries."

Of Stephen's feature work, Angela Wintle, chief feature writer of the Argus, Brighton, said: "This is an immensely talented writer who knows how to hook his reader from the very first sentence.

"His features are thoughtful and well constructed and his writing is pacy, adding drama and momentum to everything he touches.

"He approaches familiar feature-writing territory, such as prostitution or cancer, with a fresh eye, winning the trust of his subjects and, in the process, eliciting much that is new and informative.

"Critically, he also has the power to move."

Stephen was named Journalist of the Year by Margaret Strayton, Newsquest Group Editorial Manager.

She quoted from Stephen's citation by World Editor Jeremy Craddock, which said: "Stephen is one of the most dedicated, driven and dogged reporters I have ever worked with."

After the awards ceremony, which was held at Goodison Park football stadium, Liverpool, Jeremy said: "I am immensely proud of the World news team. Nick and Stephen richly deserve their awards.

"They have worked hard this year to make The World the paper it is."