Leeds students scoop journalism award

Leeds University's student newspaper last night scooped top prize at the National Student Journalism Awards, voted best student newspaper and praised for its pursuit of controversial stories.

The awards, run by the National Union of Students and the Independent Newspaper group, were distinguished by the high standard of the best entrants, which thrilled the judges, said the national president of the NUS, Mandy Telford.

"They saidthe winners in their categories would be able to cut the mustard on national papers," she said.

Well-known writers and editors made up the judging panels, which included Peter Wilby, the New Statesman's editor, and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, the Independent columnist. Presenting the awards was the television presenter June Sarpong.

The editorial team of Leeds Student, the best student newspaper, receivedtheir trophy during a students' celebration at the Globe Theatre in London.

The panel, including Simon Kelner, editor-in-chief of The Independent, judged the winning publication to be authoritative, well laid out and unfraid to tackle such stories as the campaign by the British National Party to recruit members from among Leeds students.

The runner-up prize for best newspaper went to York University's York Vision. Nottingham University won best student magazine, with their publication Impact, and the best student media website award went to Durham University's durham21.

This year's competition included two new categories: a fashion writing award sponsored by Top Shop/Top Man, and a travel journalism award supported by STA Travel.