THE Dorset Echo has been highly commended at the EDF Energy media awards for its punchy style that keeps the paper at the ‘heart of its community’.

Judges at the EDF Energy London and South of England Media Awards had shortlisted the paper for the third consecutive year.

At the awards on Thursday at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground in London judges said: “The Dorset Echo is a punchy daily. It’s very much an ‘in your face tabloid’ with plenty of good local news.

“It’s full of local people – across stories and photos – and absolutely makes the most of the news on its patch.”

The judges went on to recognise the commemorative 16-page royal wedding supplement in April.

“The royal wedding coverage was excellent – eight pages in the main paper and a 16-page supplement all firmly rooted in what was happening across Dorset,” the judges said.

“Exclusives on public sector salaries and a Prince Andrew gaffe generated great splashes.

“Various supplements, a community focus and comprehensive sports section help keep the Echo firmly at the heart of its community.”

Dorset Echo editor Toby Granville said: “This is a great accolade for the Dorset Echo that for the third time we have been recognised and highly commended at these awards.

“It’s a true testament of the hard work of our team of news gatherers who deliver the best local news in south and west Dorset.”

Reporters Arron Hendy and Lucy Pearce were also shortlisted and highly commended during the awards ceremony.