A JOURNALIST working for The Northern Echo has won a national award while passing her professional examinations.

Hannah Chapman, 20, has passed her National Council for the Training of Journalists' national certificate.

Out of 227 journalists who sat the examination across the country, Hannah was given the Esso award for the best paper in the speech section.

Hannah, who has worked in The Northern Echo's Northallerton office since October, will receive £250 for her achievement.

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, said: "I am delighted for Hannah. It is a great achievement to score the highest marks in the country."