IT was a night of glitz and glamour as stars from television and film across the region were recognised for their "excellent" work over the last year at a major awards ceremony.
From news presenters to the production crew of ITV Vera, big names were handed awards as the Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards returned for 2022.
Held at the Hilton hotel on Gateshead's quayside on Saturday evening (February 26), hundreds of visitors attended to see which stars had made the cut in this year's round.
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The prestigious awards had taken a break after the Covid pandemic, with stars last housed under the same roof back in 2019.
As the event got underway Will Nicholson, RTS North East & Border Centre Chair, described talent, new and existing, from right across the North East.
He said: “The past two years has been incredibly challenging for all of us.
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"I am extremely proud of the creative and emotional tenacity shown by the region’s creative industries. There are some incredible opportunities on the horizon."
See pictures from the night
A panel made up of more than 40 media professionals, from broadcasters and production companies across the UK, were tasked with judging the huge volume of entries submitted which covered an extended period due to the impact of the pandemic.
At the ceremony a number of big hitters from across the North East bagged an award including talent from the BBC, ITV and independent organisations.
BBC Look North's team including weather presenter Jen Bartram won the News and Factual Pandemic Innovation Award for her iconic weather forecasts from home.
Meanwhile, the BBC team were recognised for their video journalism documenting NHS and other key workers on the frontline against Covid.
The Best News Programme went to BBC Look North as judges praised it for bringing personal stories to life, attention grabbing interviews and warmth of presenters.
And in further successes for the BBC, the award for Best Sports Presenter went to Look North’s Jeff Brown with Dawn Thewlis winning Best Presenter.
ITV Tyne Tees secured three awards from the ceremony hosted by Tyneside Comedian and Writer Jason Cook.
Reporter Rachel Bullock was presented with the Outstanding Journalism Award, while camera operator Paul Kingston won both the Rising Star category and Professional Excellence in Photography.
After a challenging couple of years for the region’s media industry, Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of Northern Film and Media was presented with the Outstanding Contribution Award.
The ceremony included a performance by Kema Kay, a former student of Excelsior Academy in Newcastle, and began working with New Writing North in 2017.
As an early career rapper and actor, he performed across the county and starred in the critically acclaimed film, ‘I, Daniel Blake’.
The Best Children’s Award went to “My Life: My New Heart” by Sunderland-based MCC Media for CBBC.
The documentary follows the inspirational story of a 12-year-old boy waiting for a heart transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough independent production company Ithica Films picked up the prestigious Centre Award.
The Tees Valley production company, which works with creative agencies, charities, brands and other companies, has just opened new studios in Middlesbrough.
In addition, a number of student successes were celebrated with the Universities of Newcastle, Sunderland, Teesside and Cumbria all being recognised by judges.
Will Nicholson, North East & Border Centre Chair, added: "This year’s awards ceremony has demonstrated the immense skill, talent and imagination that makes the North East and Border region so ideally placed to invest and inspire future generations.”
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