THE Wisbech Standard is one of the top three free newspapers in the Eastern Counties. And that s official after judges at the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards gave the paper a Highly Commended rating at the awards presentation ceremony. The work

THE Wisbech Standard is one of the top three free newspapers in the Eastern Counties.

And that's official after judges at the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards gave the paper a 'Highly Commended' rating at the awards' presentation ceremony.

The work of two key members of the paper's editorial team - news editor John Elworthy and senior reporter Maggie Gibson - was also recognised, with both being Highly Commended in the Print Journalist of the Year category.

Cambs24, the Standard's popular website, went one better, being voted 'Website of the Year.

At the prestigious awards ceremony at Suffolk Showground, Ipswich, on Friday judges remarked on the Standard's successful transition from a paid-for title to free distribution and praised it for its strong community links and for being in touch with its readers.

This section was won by the Stevenage-based Comet. Also Highly Commended with the Standard was the Hunts Post.

All three titles are published by Archant Herts & Cambs -- a clean sweep which is testimony to the company's continual fight for quality and for giving readers and advertisers what they want.

John Elworthy, who won the EDF Print Journalist of the Year award last year, was commended by the judges for producing "really well-written, thoroughly researched work".

Judges highlighted Maggie Gibson's work over a long period on a planning story which ended with the demolition of a barn at Foul Anchor, Tydd.

The Cambs24 website beat off stiff competition to carry off the title of the Eastern Region's best.

Judges described it as being "of an excellent standard which was a pleasure to browse with wonderful, video clips from readers". They added that it was "a website which really draws the eye and makes it ideal for grazing".

Web editor for Archant Herts & Cambs, Sam Newby-Ricci, said "To emerge as a winner against such prestigious opposition was a real shock. We have been working hard to try to make www.Cambs24.co.uk deliver quality on-line news, sport and features, and to have this recognised is a real boost.

"The team working on the site is passionate about making it work for both our readers and our advertisers and we hope that in 2007 our on-line presence will go from strength to strength."

Wisbech Standard editor Brian Asplin said: "The paper is now re-established as the leader in its circulation area. This has been achieved by hard work, tough decisions and making sure we respond to the needs of our audience.

"The overall showing of the title and its staff at Friday's awards ceremony is a well-deserved reward for the sterling efforts and dedication by all those involved in the creation of our news and advertising service - whether in the paper or on-line - week after week.