A dedicated West Briton reporter has won a top South West journalism award in the first competition she has ever entered.
Ginette Davies, who reports on the news in Falmouth and Penryn, was named weekly Print Journalist of the Year at the South West EDF Energy South West awards yesterday.
It is the first time in her 16 year career she has entered any journalism awards. She was also shortlisted for her campaign to keep Falmouth coastguard station operating full time.
The stories wihich clinched her the title included exposing a shoplifting mother who boasted of paying for a boob job with her benefits.
Ginette also raced out of the sea when she spotted a cliff rescue to interview the victim, whilst still dressed in her wetsuit.
She also reported on the joy of parents, who lost their first child because of hospital failings, when they had a daughter two years on.
The 35-year-old, who trained on the West Briton, said: "I was totally shocked when they read out my name, as the calibre of the other nominees was extremely high, but I was obviously overjoyed to get such recognition.
"I am extremely proud, not only of the award, but the article I submitted as part of the entry.
"Although I have been a reporter for 16 years it was the first time I have entered any such awards and to be shortlisted was achievement enough and the judges also said some really great things about my work, which was lovely to hear.
"I am really proud to be a reporter for the West Briton and it is an extremely rewarding career."
The West Briton's campaigns for young careers and terminally ill teenager Joshua Jones were also highly commended.
The campaign category was won by the West Briton's sister paper The Cornishman for its campaign to protect West Cornwall Hospital from further cuts.
Ginette Davies, who reports on the news in Falmouth and Penryn, was named weekly Print Journalist of the Year at the South West EDF Energy South West awards yesterday.
It is the first time in her 16 year career she has entered any journalism awards. She was also shortlisted for her campaign to keep Falmouth coastguard station operating full time.
The stories wihich clinched her the title included exposing a shoplifting mother who boasted of paying for a boob job with her benefits.
Ginette also raced out of the sea when she spotted a cliff rescue to interview the victim, whilst still dressed in her wetsuit.
She also reported on the joy of parents, who lost their first child because of hospital failings, when they had a daughter two years on.
The 35-year-old, who trained on the West Briton, said: "I was totally shocked when they read out my name, as the calibre of the other nominees was extremely high, but I was obviously overjoyed to get such recognition.
"I am extremely proud, not only of the award, but the article I submitted as part of the entry.
"Although I have been a reporter for 16 years it was the first time I have entered any such awards and to be shortlisted was achievement enough and the judges also said some really great things about my work, which was lovely to hear.
"I am really proud to be a reporter for the West Briton and it is an extremely rewarding career."
The West Briton's campaigns for young careers and terminally ill teenager Joshua Jones were also highly commended.
The campaign category was won by the West Briton's sister paper The Cornishman for its campaign to protect West Cornwall Hospital from further cuts.
