Our political reporter Paul Francis has been named the UK's weekly newspaper journalist of the year.

Paul was dubbed 'the scourge of Kent County Council' by judges as he received the honour in the Regional Press Awards yesterday.

Paul triumphed from a shortlist including titles in Somerset, Merseyside, and Bedfordshire.

His winning portfolio featured an in-depth expose of the expenses run up by KCC councillors and officers.

Judges said they had been looking for a winner 'with tenacity, flair, investigative skill and an ability to handle difficult subjects.'

They said Paul 'brings a maturity, wit and expertise to his coverage of County Hall shennanigans.'

They added: 'His stories are a marvellous example of dogged dedication in revealing that what goes on in Westminster is also reflected in the Garden of England. A class act'.

Paul received his award from broadcaster and Fleet Street veteran Nick Ferrari at a ceremony held at London's Park Plaza Riverbank.

He said after the ceremony: "I'm delighted to have won this award.

"It is a great accolade not just for me but for the KM Group. Local newspapers have a vital role to play in holding politicians to account and it is especially pleasing the judges recognised how well our newspapers do that."