The Medway Messenger swept the board at this year’s Shepherd Neame Journalist Awards.

Not only were we crowned Kent’s news service provider of the year, local government correspondent, Alan Watkins, scooped two prestigious awards.

The Old Codger was crowned Kent’s best newspaper journalist of the year and as well as Kent’s overall journalist of the year.

Our print and online editions also won the Shepherd Neame news service of the year award, earning particular praise for our coverage of last summer’s Climate Camp protest at Kingsnorth Power Station.

Alan, who is 62 later this month, was described as “a born journalist who has the talent and passion for holding those in power to account, a shining example for young journalists and a great ambassador for the profession.”

He said: “The Medway Messenger has an exceptional editorial team thanks to the paper, our website, kmfm radio and our photographers.

“I am honoured my work was recognised, but we wouldn’t have got where we are without the news skills of the whole team.”

Aurelia Allen, kmfm reporter based at our Strood office, scooped the Kent broadcast journalist of the year award.

Reporter Katie Alston was highly commended in the young journalist of the year category.

This year’s awards attracted nearly 120 entries and were judged by a panel of media journalists and directors.

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, said: “We have been sponsoring these awards for more than 20 years and we’re proud to be able to reward the achievements of Kent’s best journalists.

“It has been a tough time for media groups but we’re very encouraged by quality of the entries we received.”

The awards ceremony was held at the brewery’s visitor centre in Faversham, on Friday.