LS has been named Yorkshire’s top free newspaper in this year’s O2 Media Awards.

The paper fought off opposition from established regional publishers the Retford Guardian and Dearne Valley Weekender to wow industry judges.

The panel said LS “is a well designed newspaper with sections on careers, fashion and entertainment. Its volunteer editorial team was also eager to tackle hard-hitting topics such as racism and drug and drink addictions.”

One of last year’s Associate Editors, Maddie Palacz, commented: “It’s great that all the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in Leeds Student is recognised at a regional level. I’m very proud to have been a part of such a great newspaper and society.”

The award was presented by Emmerdale actress Nicola Wheeler at a ceremony last night at the Rose Bowl in Leeds.

Last year’s Editor Lucy Snow said: “I’m really pleased and so proud of the team who all gave up so much of their free time last year to make the paper great – we were the only student paper nominated at the awards and had stiff competition from local titles, so it was a great thrill to win!”

Rehema Figueiredo