THE Stockport Express news team celebrated success at this week’s new How-Do awards where our paper was named the North West’s number one weekly.

Stockport Express editor Mandy Leigh picked up the ‘Best Paper’ gong at a prestigious awards ceremony held at Old Trafford, which was attended by over 550 of the North West’s media players.

Mandy, who accepted the award from BBC TV’s Gordon Burns, said afterwards: "I was absolutely delighted to pick up the first How-Do awards’ Weekly Newspaper of the Year trophy on behalf of everyone at the Express.

"It’s not just recognition of the talent amongst our journalists and photographers, it’s also recognition of our loyal readership. So as well as thanking my terrific team here, I’d like to thank our many thousands of readers for sticking with us, and proving that Stockport people care about their community, and enjoy having a paper always prepared to give them a voice."

Also in the weekly newspaper category was Crain’s Manchester Business, who were given a commendation, and Manchester Metro News.

Compering the evening was Jim Hancock, former Granada TV’s political correspondent and later the BBC’s political editor, who had to keep the rowdy crowd under control.

Xfm’s comic breakfast presenter and Manchester City fan Jason Manford also provided some light entertainment on the evening as well as being part of the team to take the top spot in the keenly-contested radio award.

Other winners included our sister paper the Manchester Evening News for best daily paper, best TV programme went to the BBC’s Dragon’s Den and personality of the year went to Mark Radcliffe.

The How-Do awards were set up to commend a variety of areas of media and other creative areas including newspapers, radio, television, production houses, creatives, consultants, lawyers, architects and musicians.

The How-Do website provides news, opinion and resources for the North West media industry and the organisation has clearly created one of the biggest media and creative gatherings in the North West’s calendar for years to come.