THE Hunts Post has been named the best free weekly newspaper in the East of England at the eDF Energy Awards. And to add to the newspaper s success, reporter Natalie Bowyer was highly commended in the best newcomer category and The Hunt Post s Hands Off H

THE Hunts Post has been named the best free weekly newspaper in the East of England at the eDF Energy Awards.

And to add to the newspaper's success, reporter Natalie Bowyer was highly commended in the best newcomer category and The Hunt Post's Hands Off Hinchingbrooke campaign was singled out for special praise.

The county newspaper for Huntingdonshire was given the award for best free newspaper in the region on Thursday during a ceremony held at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.

The judges said of The Hunts Post: "A very clean paper with great attention to detail.

"Everything had a strong local angle and it was a belting newspaper that didn't let the reader drift off. Its information services were strong and it appreciates its market."

One judge was stunned that such a strong paper could be produced by such a small team.

Hunts Post editor Andy Veale said: "This is a fantastic achievement for The Hunts Post and recognises the hard work which goes into each edition by all of the staff who work for the newspaper.

"We are fortunate to have talented, dedicated journalists who are supported by a very successful, and equally hardworking, advertising team."

He added: "I was also delighted to see Natalie's work recognised by the judges, and also our campaign for Hinchingbrooke Hospital highlighted as being exceptional for a weekly newspaper.

"We're now looking forward to bringing our readers the best stories and the campaigns that really matter throughout 2008 and beyond.